Need help

I know there are not likely to be many people on here at half 5 in the morning but writing seems to take my mind off it a bit.

I guess I'm trying to relate my situation to someone. £17k is such a huge amount of money and I can't even begin to get a grip of what I've done.

Prior to yesterday I've NEVER even considered having an issue with gambling. I've always enjoyed spending a few quid here and there but that's all it's ever been and only on things like the grand national!

I don't understand how I've managed to get into my situation. I just want to wake up and for it to be nothing but a dream.

Thanks in advance

Welcome to the site.

Like many other myself included you cannot win because you cannot stop.

I would personally suggest speaking to the companies you gamble with and requesting a life time self exclusion , they have to agree to this by law now , also if you gamble on your home computer install a blocker for the websites you use.

The money is gone , dont go chasing because the truth is the highs and lows you would have to suffer to try and recoup any money is not worth it , consider starting a diary in the recovery section on here , speak and interact with others on here , maybe consider the free counselling they offer to get to the bottom of the problem.

I feel for you right now because the loss is huge you will still be very raw and still numb/in a state of shock.

When your ready try and get some help for your own sanity.

Thank you. I've spoken to someone on the phone and it does help, I'm going to try and meet with someone face to face.

I know my situation could have been worse and I'm lucky to still have my family and home. Fortunately I'm being assisted financially but it's the level of guilt and annoyance I'm really struggling with. I've excluded myself already from sites and will not touch another ever again.

For anyone in this situation, what did you do for a coping mechanism or what else can you suggest?

Thank you again

Hi. Unfortunately there are no magic buttons to press to relieve you of your guilt. Personally I found the best way to reduce the negative feelings was by just doing the "right thing" i.e. by respecting those trying to help you, not abusing their trust and putting your family first. You've been given a chance to redeem yourself. People are unlikely to be as understanding next time if you don't keep your side of the bargain. Don't waste this opportunity.

Hi Freshman,

I can't add much to what John and DeLorean have said really. Looks good sense to me.

Just thought I'd say my thoughts are with you and I hope you will find some peace as time passes.

Bye.

Hi Freshman, saw you on the 2015 challenge and thought I'd give you some support.

I love how you have a 5 year plan to sort this out. 17k is a lot of money. I know as I got to 20k before seeing my problems and visiting this sit. I am about 1.5 years into clearing my debt and I want you to be aware not to be complacent. I have relapsed a couple of times but it has been 1-2k losses, basically wiping out what I'd paid off. Gambling in whatever form brings no benefit, look at all the stories and your own experience. I tried taking out loan after loan to try for that big win. It never came, some people are lucky, I have resigned to the fact it will not be me and I'm sure it won't be you either.