Hi everyone
Brand new here. It has taken three years but I've finally told those closest to me, my partner and my parents, that i've been addicted to football gambling and am massively in debt. I've been putting it off for a long time and obviously the situation got worse as I refused to confront the problem. Lockdown has seen me lose pretty much all my money, finally. I've hidden everything until now and the burden of that is almost too much to bear. I cried, and found it difficult to find the words, but the support from them has been a bit overwhelming to be honest and I know i'm massively lucky in that respect.
Yesterday I got in touch with Gamcare and Stepchange to start the process of recovery. Both have been very supportive and i've got a budget to do and a counselling appointment early next week. I've deleted all apps off my phone and will sign up to Gamstop. I want this to be a new start because I will lose my partner who I love very much if I continue. I want to do this for myself too and I know only I can make it happen. I've been gambling free since Friday last week. I know it's just 4 days but I don't miss it, yet. I don't miss the 3am football, the checking the phone first thing or last thing, or going to the loo just to place a bet. I want it to stay that way. I feel better now the secret is out than I have done ever in those three years.
Love to all struggling and look forward to being part of a supportive community
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!
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