Hey Guys/Girls
this is my first step to stopping the gambling, i have been compulsive gambling for 3 years. i have contemplated quitting before but the hard bit for me is opening up and talking to people about it. my parents found out around 6 months ago i gambled too much but i dont think they grasped the extent of it even though they knew i had financial problems. i just would tell them i stopped if ever they asked after that. i didnt feel i could open up totally as i dont feel id get the support id need to be able to stop and i see myself also as a let down to them .. i never think of commiting suicide but i do wish i could just go away and be alone then my problem wouldnt effect anyone else. i see it as an illness and a major problem now but just think they see it as me been stupid and should be able to just stop. my life as become abit of a joke as i spend most of the time concerned about how can i get money for my next bet and i spend most of my time with no money not been able to do the usually things like going out drinking with mates and doing stuff with my kids.my parents worry about me because my behaviour is off because i am hiding so much from them. i would like to totally tell them and move on from this straight away and i know it wont be as easy as that.
i have started the morning by self excluding from all the online account i had
i just really needed to get all this off my chest and hopefully relieve some stress and anxiety that i have been carrying with me for the last 3 years
Hi Kane well done to you for knowing you have a problem and wanting to do something about it. You say your parents know you have gambled too much in the past and are aware of financial difficulties. I know it's hard for anyone to tell their parents the full truth but would it not be better to get it all out in the open? Only you can know how your parents will react if you tell them everything but then again they may surprise you and offer the support you need. You could sit them down and ask if you can all come up with a plan together. Yes they may well feel dissapointed and annoyed with you and that is perfectly normal. Tell them about this site tell them how you are serious about stopping gambling. I am the mum of a CG who I found out he had been gambling for three years like you. He is 27 now. I wish he had came to me and told me everything instead of me finding out bit by bit how bad things were. I'd rather we had sat down and made a plan of action instead of him telling me he didn't have a problem! It was very hard getting him to admit he even had a problem. We have had many things to deal with over last twelve months but we have got there and he is now 95% better. I took over his finances and transferred money as and when he needed it. Once he had a pattern going, his bills were getting paid and he was able to save money again he could see there was a way out of the vicious circle he had gotten himself into. As I say he is a different person now, i have had to deal with things as a mum that I never thought I would have to but this addiction can happen to anyone. I don't believe it is an illness in itself but it can cause you to be ill with stress, anxiety, etc. Have a good read around this site there are lots of great success stories to read there are also lots of CG who have been gambling for years and have not been able to manage recovery. Which of those people do you want to be? There is help out there and take every help offered but at the end of the day it's up to you. I really wish you well. - wcid
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