Never felt worse

Hey

Well this was basically me over the past couple of weeks, i had my last bet last friday and thought i just cant do this anymore. I thought there was only one way out of this.

I told my fiancee and my parents, it was tough... Really tough but it was the right thing to do. I have since signed up for councelling and handed my bank cards over to the mrs. Its a huge weight off my shoulder. Is there someone you can confide in? Ask your bank not to allow any gambling transactions on your cards, also self restrict off websites you use.

Thanks for your comments mate.

I need to talk to my mum and dad about it, but just can't bring myself to tell them.

I will take your advice and contact my bank so I can't deposit on gambling sites. Will contact Tesco Mobile too, because I bet on my phone to see if they can block the gambling sites.

Day 1 tomorrow. I want to be strong and fight this.

Hi Ross. On this website you'll find plenty of help advice and support to get you on the straight and narrow. I too was wreck less as many of us are. But today I am proudly 51 days gamble free. Also if you're betting via mobile contact boku direct as your phone provider can unblock when you ask but boku the actual transaction site will block you and won't go back on your request afterwards. Keep posting and keep strong xx

Ross i hope you are doing ok and well done for stopping. You remind me so much of my son. Maybe you can give me advice to understand him? He is also 27- gambled on and off for 10 yrs, spent money of ours we had asked him to save in an ISA, taken out payday loans and got into debt. 3 yrs ago he moved and I kept a check on his bank and he said he stopped for 6 months. I thought he had stopped but things excalated and a month ago he lost his job because he was stealing a LOT of money over 18 months + payday loans again. He was really scared as could have gone to prison but the company have been very understanding and he has to pay back money. He has told his girlfriend, she has taken over all money and he is going to GA weekly, and has applied for loads of jobs. He has blocked everything from gambling websites etc. My husband is making himself ill as NEVER wants to see my son again and is ashamed that he could steal. He is convicned that he will just get new bank account and steal again! I think my son has actually been shocked this time as scared to death of going to prison. His gf is being so strong and he knows he has everything to loose this time. I am very anxious all the time. He has not been in touch with me for a month but his gf keeps me up to date. Is there anything else that we could be doing to help him? So scared that he will go back to gambling and my husband making me more anxious with his thoughts!

Hello HDG,

I have an ongoing thread called 'This is going to be so hard' in the Recovery Diaries section. I hope you can take some insight from that over time with regards to my thoughts and feelings.

I cannot comment on stealing money, as I have never done that myself, but I have never risked all the money I had until yesterday.

Im not that close with my family, and do struggle disclosing personal issues never mind a gambling problem.

I can relate to your son, because I have blown all my savings on gambling but we all have to fight this.

Stay strong for your son when he needs you.

Ross7 Thank you for answering. I will look at your recovery diary. I think this time because my son has a gf he really loves then he is prepared to try harder than ever, I just hope it is enough. I would definitly say the best thing you can do is confide in someone who could control your money, but they have to be very strong. I tried to do it for my son but half heartedly, not realising you are sucked in by excuses and lies for wanting more money. As a mum you just think yu can fix things. Do you have a friend who would help, or speak to your bank? My son is too ashamed to tell his friends, but I actually think you are more accountable if have to tell others. Keep being strong and good luck.