Hi all,
Just looking for some support or someone to talk to.
I have finally admitted to my husband today that I have a gambleing problem through online slots. He found out from credit card taken in his name £1000 in debt. I confessed about my addiction straight away and signed up to gamstop and contacted my bank and made a promise I will make things right.
He has yet to acknowledge my confession about addiction. We have a 6 month old baby and don't want to be a single mum or be left homeless (house is in his name outright).I know it will take time to get his trust back but don't know where to start. We were so happy and I've messed it all up through stupid gambling.
Hi laurac, thank you for reaching out to us, remember our helpline is there 24/7 if you need to talk on 0808 8020 133, via live chat or call. It sounds like you have already taken some positive steps by putting GamStop and bank blocks in place. As an additional block, you could download Betblocker which blocks gambling sites on devices and is free to download: https://betblocker.org/
We also offer free 1-1 support, please contact our helpline to discuss. You'll find loads of support here on the forum and also in our chatrooms.
We understand that life as a new mum can be a lot of change, sleepless nights and adjusting to a new routine, which can potentially leave us vulnerable to things like gambling, whether this is due to trying to win funds, a distraction, way of coping with feeling alone or overwhelmed at times, or to do with changes in sleeping patterns. Whatever you've been dealing with lately, you are not alone, and we are here for you every step of the way - day or night, if you need to talk, just reach out to us.
All the best,
Ally, Forum Admin
Hi,
Firstly, please be kind to yourself - a gambling addiction is a serious mental illness. You feel you’ve messed things up, but you’ve also done a very brave thing and opened up about it.
Your story was me! I took out tens of thousands of pounds in my husband’s name without him knowing! The debt is huge and will take so many years to pay back.
In 2 weeks time I’ll be 3 years gamble free. Is the £1000 the total debt you have?
All you can do now is carry on being transparent, and grab hold of every bit of help you can. It’s never just as easy to stop all by yourself.
Take care,
Claire x
Hiya
Good advice above. Admitting you have a problem is a major move. Learning about it and understanding recovery is the next step. As part of that abstinence is key of course and getting blocks and barriers in place to stop the next bet IE Gamstop, Gamban, bank block on gambling etc but also accountability. By telling your husband that's a good part of accountability but others as well. There is so much support on here and each day you log on, read and reply to posts it adds accountability.
Once you have that in place you can start rebuilding a life where there is no room, need or desire to gamble or any other form of escape. Sometimes it helps to recognise why we gamble so we can work on that aspect but the key to recovery is honesty. Not just telling the truth but the whole truth. Accepting that people have their own thoughts and views which aren't for us to control or manipulate. Just working on the best version of Laura each day.
In 12 steps recovery, starting the day the right way is a huge part of my recovery. Waking up, meditating with guided meditation on YouTube to clear my thoughts, I pray but of course not everyone believes in God and then I write 10 things I am grateful for. It's a big part of not wanting to gamble and be the best I can for my family, friends and community each day.
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