So here I am again after months of attempting to stop gambling and relapsing several times I am back to square one. I've lost £350 in the last 48 hours, feel depressed, low and helpless to this addiction. I leave work, straight to the bookies play a FOBT always lose and walk out with that gut wrenching feeling. My warped mind somehow thinks I am 'owed a big win' on those machines after 4 months of constant losses. I am very accepting of the fact I have an illness/disease. It's the one blip in my life. I have everything someone at my age could wish for, family, children, good friends decent job but this is destroying me. I guess I am scared of stopping as its been a 10 year habit for me. I am writing this to try and make myself see sense before I ruin another month completely by spending my remaining funds on this horrible problem. I want to self exclude but something is stopping me, fear of quitting and knowing I can't gamble. What is wrong with me? I know deep down this will only get worse if I don't stop, I can't win because I can't stop. It's affecting my young family. Racked up £3k of debt in the last 12 months, enough is enough. Please someone help me.
Hi finge31,
Welcome to the forum, and thank you for sharing your innermost concerns with us. I find it a really moving story, and I hope others will join in to offer their support to you as well.
You seem to be aware of yourself, and understand all the consequences of gambling problem, but then you have difficulty stopping yourself from responding to the urge to gamble. Perhaps the reason why it’s a problem.
Just to make you aware that you’re not alone in this situation, that gambling problem is difficult to try and stop it by yourself; most people need professional help to do that.
I’m glad that you came to Gamcare for professional help and support; help is available at Gamcare, and we are ready to help you every step of the way if you’ll follow the advice that we offer.
I also noticed from your story that you spend most of your spare time at the bookies. I’m wondering if you’ve thought about replacing your gambling time with other activities or hobbies so that you don’t feel bored if you try to stop gambling?
It’s important to keep yourself busy so you feel distracted from the bookies.
I will encourage you to contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers who would be able to tell you what your options are, and thus get the help and support that you need to overcome your gambling problem.
An adviser can refer you to 12 sessions of free counselling, and nearest to where you live, if that would help you to stop gambling.
Sometimes, there are other underlying issues the reason why you find it difficult to stop gambling “(I’m scared of stopping as it’s been a 10 year habit)”. I agree that habits are difficult to break, and perhaps that’s the reason why you need professional help to guide you to overcome it.
Do try and stay in touch so we know how you’re getting on with your recovery.
Wishing you all the best in your recovery, and please keep posting!
Regards,
Beatrice
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