New member here - Life has crumbled

Hello @blockybee,

Welcome to the forum. You will get lots of advice and support on here from people who have been in a similar position and can relate to your story. 

I'm not a gambler myself but I am married to a recovering addict so I do have a bit of an insight. 

You have admitted you have a problem and come clean to the people around you and those are really important steps, as is coming here to look for help. 

If you gamble online, it's a good idea to put blocking software onto any devices you use such as Gamstop or Gamban. This will make it more difficult for you to access sites.  You might want to speak to your bank to see if they will block betting transactions, or hand over control of your finances to someone else such as your wife or a trusted relative. 

The advisers on here can give you information about blocking software and there are also options available for counselling for yourself and your wife, should you be interested.  There are chat rooms too where you can talk to other members.

Take care.

J

Hi son, 2 weeks is great keep it up. 

It’s critical you implement the steps outlined in the previous post, if you don’t allow yourself money you can’t gamble and your finances will stop getting pummelled. 

Remember each visit to the table usually means an extra few years added on to your loan repayment plan. They don’t tell you that on the welcome screen. 

Hi there...I have also recently stopped gambling after going a bit crazy on casino after a few years of matched betting. I know its early days  but I have found gamstop and the counselling really helpful so far. Good luck

Matched betting is a hook. A loss leader that allows the bookies to showcase their real money makers.

Self pity will only go a short way with those affected. Didn't actually cut any ice at all with me.

Action counts. What are you doing to show them you mean to stop?

Hi blockybee, 

I am a recovering gambling addict (over a year free) and the main reason I could finally get a hold of it, was because I told my family and friends. Now yours know, the ball is in their court. If they decide to help you, which I sincerely hope they do, then you need to do the rest.

Put blocks on everything, Gamcare will help but also take time to self exclude for 5 years from as many sites as you can, speak to your family and friends when you feel down or the need to gamble, find other hobbies and habits. But most importantly forgive yourself, you’re not a scumbag, we’re not s******s, gambling is an illness. But now you have identified it, you need to put all your effort into fighting it. 

You can do this, 

All the best.