Hi all
Trying to start the New Year by admitting I have a gambling problem. I am addicted to online slots. Have been playing for about 6 years and my debts are out of control. I have 2 small children and find that I escape to the computer at night to give me a break. Have tried to play games etc but always go back to the bingo sites. I can't admit to my family how much debt I'm in because I've been there and done that. I'm scared I'll never get back in control
Hi Elle
Well done for realising that you have a problem and coming here- takes guts to do that. I too have 2 young kids and played online slots as an escape mechanism- well eventually I used that as an excuse to play even if I didnt need to escape the kids! Anyway point is you should admit to someone the situation you are in however if that is too much for now just post your feelings on here as it will help take the pressure off. there are many of us in this situation and we all want to do what is right by our families.
Im not sure if you know about blockers that you can put on your computer to stop you from getting on those websites but if you can self exclude now.
Try and draw a line under the financial loss- there is nothing you can do about that now. Accept that it has gone and start fresh from today.
I found that it was the time I spent gambling that I regretted losing the most - all 10 years of it. I will not get that back either but what I can do now is look to the future because there is a good one ahead if we stop gambling.
I am now 31 days free from gambling and I can honestly say the fog has lifted. I really do get urges sometimes but the longer I dont gamble the easier it becomes to suppress those urges and do something else.
If you can talk to anyone about helping you with your finances it might ease the pressure and there are great people on here who will give you far better advice than me but I just wanted you to know that you are not alone and you can beat this and get your life back.
All the best Linda x
Hi elle
I echo what linda has said.
I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Keep interacting on the forum and good luck!!!
Ben.
Thank you both. Yes, I have blocked all gambling sites on my computer and feeling a bit more positive, no more excuses!
Hi, well done for recognising your problem your story is like mine 2 young kids and on line slots.
I have tried many times to quit and failed but I keep coming back here, it does help, today I am day 12 gamble free and hoping for many more days. I started a diary in the recovery diary section which you might want to try, I find it helps me to post there everyday, and read others posts.
Well, stay strong and focused you will beat this, take care and don't be too hard on yourself, S x
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