My gambling is no longer a secret

Hi Lyford, well done this is a great start to your recovery. By putting as many barriers in place as you can will help when the urge to gamble surfaces. May I suggest 2 other things you could do which are put a blocker on your phone, I have installed Betblocker for 5 years so you can't get on gambling sites, and also contact your bank and ask them to block gambling transactions from your debit card.

Personally I have done all you have plus the above. I have had counselling from Gamcare which is really helpful to be able to talk to someone about your story without any judgement. I also have set up a debt management plan with Stepchange, again really helpful and has taken a lot of stress out of managing my debts.

If you are able to could you hand over control of your finances to your partner, my wife now has full control of our and cancelled my cards so I have no access to money. May sound extreme but now doesn't bother me.

It sounds like you have the full support of those closest to you to beat this addiction so good luck and keep posting.

All the best

Hi lyford ,

Well done and welcome, also pretty new here myself, Bladesman is right about the suggestions of putting extra blockers on. It helps having everything in place, I realised that myself after taking two steps back but I listened to the groups advise and now have everything in place. 

Good luck with your journey and keep posting 

Kay ?

Hi Lyford, thanks for sharing your story.. exactly the same for me buddy... opening up to the closest ones to you is so important, my family supported me more than anything and having GamStop in place is the best thing, I let my partner oversee my finances to ensure no form of temptation is there.

Of course I think about gambling, and how much I miss the enjoyment.. but I have to remind myself that it’s caused so much hurt and financial damage to myself.

I’m coming up to 9 months gamble free and whether it’s 1 day or 10 years, being gamble free is the direction you need to be heading in.

Being honest and open about your problem, putting the right measures in place, seeking help from a counsellor, focusing your life on doing things with your partner, pushing yourself to better within your career etc...I for one feel so much healthier to be gamble free, the worry about how I would cope with no money until the next pay day is no longer and I’m on the right path to maintaining a happy life.

Always here to support and stay strong!