This is the first positive step I have made towards recovering from this awful disease that I have struggled with for the past 22 years. I feel like my whole world is such a mess and I need some serious help. I fear that my husband is leaving me. They say the truth will set you free...however not in my case. I was honest for a change and I now quite possibly am losing the only person who has never crapped on me. I feel so low that its hard to even breath. I have read some posts and just keep thinking, wow that is totally my life. I am not sure how to stop this snowball effect that I have created.
Hi 40yroldpos,
Welcome to the Forum, and well done for posting here.
To begin with, I have to commend you for being honest and opening up to your husband even though you don’t seem to like the aftermath. I still think it was worth it, as it has enabled you to seek the necessary help that you need to overcome your gambling addiction.
Struggling with your gambling addiction for 22years in isolation, and also in secrecy is not healthy for you or, anybody else who is being affected by your gambling. Now that you’ve joined the forum, and also identified with some of the post here, you might have realised you’re not alone in this. You can overcome your addiction problem with the help and support you get from Gamcare and forum members in terms of strategies and boundaries. It is important that you take responsibility of your situation by observing the advice given you properly. It’s doable, and you can overcome your gambling addiction.
Try and be patient with yourself, and take it one step at a time. Additionally, I think it would be helpful to you to try and distract yourself from gambling by filling your spare time (gambling time) with other activities that are not related to gambling. Increase your hobbies time or, find new ones to avoid getting bored, and thus being tempted to fall back on gambling.
Please note that gambling addiction gets worse if you don’t do anything about it, and it can easily get out of control. I’d also like you to be aware of the fact that it is difficult to try and overcome it by yourself; you need professional help to do that.
Maybe, you might like to call our free phone Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for a 1 to 1 chat with one of our specially trained advisers. We’re open everyday from 8.00am to 12.00midnight.
My best wishes to you in your efforts to overcome your gambling addiction.
Thanks again for your post, and please keep posting as often as you can.
Kind regards,
Beatrice
Hi 40yroldpos - Hope you are feeling a bit better about things since Friday. Having read other people's posts not only can you identify with them but you will also see that in the majority of cases they have been able to get out of the mess gambling has created.
You can do it too with the support and encouragement of people here. As Beatrice has said, one day at a time. You will be amazed at how quickly a few days become a week, then a month and with time you will begin to feel so much better.
Best wishes for your journey.
Joanna
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