New to forum and can't control myself.

I've just made the first step in changing my life. I've gone all my online accounts and set maximum exclusion so I've made the first step in changing my life!

Welcome to the forum Ginger Jim 🙂

Nice that you've told us something about yourself...I'm Strawberry blonde Kelly but you can call me, well, anything really, as long as it's not too mean coz the profanity filter is set quite high.

I can't promise you no judgement here, especially with you not wanting to come clean to your girlfriend (I for one think she should be told) but I can promise you that we know what "one more go" feels like 🙁 Unfortunately, as addicts, we cannot win because we cannot stop! Although it may feel like you are fighting to get rich, it's actually the action that we crave so win or lose initially, chances are we continue to go until we can't go anymore & then the harsh reality of the rest of the month sets in & then addiction persuades us the only way out of the mess we have created by gambling, is to gamble more! It's utter madness & by taking 2 huge steps (coming here for advice & support & breaking your gambling (Time-Money-Location) triangle), you have made inroads to breaking that cycle of destruction.

Gambling causes depression, depression encourages us to gamble more but with the right support (counselling free through GamCare or your GP, GA meetings), although it may feel hopeless @ the minute, you can get out of this funk & change to that better life - ODAAT

I am the girlfriend of a gambler. It was hidden from me for a while until I found out.

He's into casino gambling and when he gambles (once every 6 months on average) he stays out all night and doesn't come home.

Puts thousands down on the roulette table. Next day always very sorry and regretful.

Pattern keeps repeating. Now in debt. We both work. His gambling is usually triggered by stressful periods at work or a need to purchase something quickly such as a flat we need to rent soon. Here to chat to people who are going through similar.

Hi Gingerjim,

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for your post. You did well too by opening up to the forum even though you were scared you’d be judged. Just to let you know we’re all here to help and support each other; a common ground where you can share your story and expect to be heard and supported.

By coming to Gamcare for help, you have taken the first step to your recovery. I’ll encourage you to be patient, take it one day at a time, and also to learn the strategies from people you can identify with from this forum. Please note that we’re a non- judgemental organisation, listening and doing our best to help and support people to overcome their gambling problem and their family and friends.

I think it would be beneficial to you to try and contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers and find out what other options are available to you in terms of your recovery process. We can refer you to other charitable organisations as well if we think you’d benefit from their services too.

Our lines are open everyday from 8.00am to midnight.

I suggest that you try and stay in touch with us so we can continue to support you in your recovery.

Above all, please keep posting!

Best wishes,

Beatrice