Hello all
This is the first time I have signed up for anything like this so here goes.
After well over a year of being gamble free and having savings and things to really look forward to for once, this weekend I fell into a huge relapse which has left me feeling down and hopeless once again. I dont know why i did it and i dont know why would do it but it has happened now.
I want to try my hardest and make this the very last time this ever happens and i hope joining here is the first step. Looking forward to speaking to you all.
Ben
Welcome Ben,
You have shown you are more than capable to become gamble free by achieving 1 year so well done for that.
Sorry you have had a relapse but coming joining here shows your finally ready to knock it on its head.
I am newbie in now on day 40 and this is my first attempt and hopefully my last.
I have found registering with gamstop and self excluding there for the maximum 5 years ( it does give less but we need the 5 otherwise we back to sqaure one). Blocking gambling transactions with your bank, and failing this let someone else take over your finances until your strong enough to not gamble.
I have found coming on here every day is really helpful. Reading the forums. Joining in the chat rooms every day, speaking to others in the same shoes. It all helps so much.
So best of luck with your journey, you can do this
Welcome to the Gamcare forum Ben.
Thank you for your post and well done for reaching out for help. Living gamble free for a year is an incredible achievement. This shows you can stay away from gambling. I can understand the feelings of hopelessness when one returns to gambling, though please go easy on yourself. This time spent gamble free is not wasted as there can be a lot of learning that can come from this. It is great that you want to try your hardest now and there is plenty of support on here to help you with this.
If you feel it may be useful you can always talk to one of us here at Gamcare. There is someone to talk to on the Helpline on 0808 8020133 or the live chat through our website 24/7. We offer a wide range of help, support and treatment I’m sure would be of benefit to you. We also offer 1 to 1 support with trained practitioners, over the phone, at a time that is convenient for you. All treatments are free of charge.
You have already shown great courage by sharing and you do not have to do this alone, so please don’t. Continue asking for help and we are always here to support you. We hope you find the forum a helpful and enjoyable place. All the best
Darren
Forum Admin
Hi Ben, 1 year gamble free is huge and you can do it again. Use the feeling that you have right now as a positive......I know that sounds weird, but I do keep that out of control ,self loathing feeling at the back of my mind and in times of urges I recall it and remember how bad it was and how bad it was when my husband found out.....it serves as a stark reminder what a backwards step would do. Don't beat yourself up it doesn't help ,dig deep and go again. I'm a huge believer in blocking as much access to gambling as you can, I'm coming up to a year now gamble free and if I wanted to gamble I can't and it's a powerful weapon, the beginning of this year I wanted the escape really bad but I have no means to gamble and I'm so glad that I don't, gives me the confidence to ride the bumps in the road which let's face it will always come. You're raw at the moment be kind to yourself, you will feel better and your strength will return. Keep posting, this forum has been and will continue to be at the heart of my recovery
First time posting in a group bit read this and wanted to show support.
Very similar situation here. Had been free for a year and a half when I relapsed. Had savings, plans and making home improvements.
Not sure where the downward spiral started but I am hopeful that being on here can help me put it into the past for good.
hope this is the start of a positive journey for you too
Hi Ben
Like others on here have already said - to get to a year is amazing and shows your strength!! I can understand how bad you must feel after this relapse... But you totally have the strength as you have already proven to get back on track for sure!! Now you have come on here and read everybody's stories and receive great support as I have.. It will help you greatly! Speaking and hearing from others who you can relate to on your journey back to being gamble free is priceless... You find such empathy and great advice. Please try not to beat yourself up so much - I know it's hard, but now your back on the path of recovery you can be proud of yourself again and in the coming days I hope you start to feel that pride returning!
Wishing you the very best ?
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