Hello Cobbers, my name is Mike, or Aussie Mike as I thought there would probably be another Mike here.
Been in the UK 13 years, been clean for 6 years. Problems started for me on the pokies (you call them Fruit Machines over here), I started playing when I was 14, then the Casino’s, then the track. Oz is not like the UK, they don’t have the same Bookmaking culture so you have to go a bit far afield to throw away your hard earned dollars. But it didn’t stop me, 160 miles I drove to a Casino once. Long and the short of it is that I have lost two homes, two partners, bankrupt twice, lost friends, family, two businesses, my credit rating and I basically have zippo remaining today.
About 6 years ago, homeless, penniless, jobless, I came here looking for answers, but never joined, wish I had in a way. There was a bloke on the Forum who was brilliant, he seemed to have conquered it, he pulled gambling apart and explain what it really did to you – I tried other means, GA and all that cobbers, but I could never accept advice from someone who hasn’t been there, and hadn’t beaten it, couldn’t buy into it unless it was someone who really, truly understood what it felt and how it crippled you emotionally mate. A light bulb went on, six weeks of real pain, angst, blood sweat and real tears, and I was on me way. Today, I still have debt, but a good life, normal, balanced life, good friends, and I appreciate every day – part of gambling is trying to escape normal, but you don’t realize how beautiful normal life is once you start living again.
I believe in paying it forward fellas. He helped others when he quit – I ain’t been strong enough til now to be honest, and being here reminded me of what I had done for a time, but now I feel I can do it, so I am going to try. Negatives into Positives are good for the soul, so that’s why I am here. Cheers ears, thanks for listening cobbers.
Hi mike
Great aspiration to everyone on here. I would like to say I'm fairly young however I have already lost a lot, I'm hoping I can make a better start for a future life. Would you reccomend one to onemeetings
G'day James, strewth, that's a lovely thing to say mate, appreciate that a bundle.
Have replied to your other post, hope it helps you in some way mate. With regards to meetings, I would say you have nothing to lose and everything to gain - give it a go, getting it all out is very liberating friend, I think you will feel a lot better afterwards
Welcome Mike..
And thanks for sharing your story..
Respect to you for turning your life around six years ago...I'm only at 420 odd days gamble free...but I'm enjoying the journey..
Mike I have read a few of your posts, please keep it up, it's much appreciated. I'm very early in recovery after nearly 2 years of online slot addiction. It's been hell, truely. I have been through serious cardiac illness and mental health problems but I can honestly say this compulsion has caused way more heartache. Your experience will be of great benefit to many. Good on you for wanting to help. I'm sorry you had to go through what you did and I hope it's only upwards for you from here on
Hi
Welcome Mike!
You can be a great help here. You've lived it and you have sought the answers. As you say it is like a light bulb coming on then dealing with it properly and asking the right questions.
I try to help where I can. I find its like putting something back in which also helps me deal with the past.
I love what youve written about trying to escape escape normal, then realising how beautiful normal is when lived right. So true and the real foundation of everything here.
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
Hi Mike,
I really like your direction and thought process in recovery. When you read such great words, itjust shows how this terrible addition can get to anyone!
Just to quote your opening post:
........"There was a bloke on the Forum who was brilliant, he seemed to have conquered it, he pulled gambling apart and explain what it really did to you – I tried other means, GA and all that cobbers, but I could never accept advice from someone who hasn’t been there, and hadn’t beaten it, couldn’t buy into it unless it was someone who really, truly understood what it felt and how it crippled you emotionally........."
I'd love to hear why you refer to GA as cobblers? This comment I know is based on a personal experience but may stop other members seeking help and advice fromtheir local GA. Everyone of us has a different approach to recovery, yet we all are trying to arrest the same addiciton. A typical meeting is full of only gambling addicts, real people who have experienced or are still living the nightmare and the effects this illness has on their lifes. There could be nobody better to be there than that. Therefore that's why I ask the question. Counselling on the other hand, may be someone who hasn't really gone through the same addiciton. This was the reason I didn't take this route.
Ok lunch break over! All the best.
Amazing post AussieMike! Glad you are here now I think you can inspire alot of people around here and in doing so get something from it yourself 🙂
I like your notion of 'I believe in paying it forward fellas' - we cannot get back what we have lost financially but we can save ourselves from losing going forward. Without gambling I like you, have a good life, normal, balanced life, good friends, and I'm starting to enjoy life again appreciating every day.
Thanks mate.
Hi Mike, fair play to you for your 7 years clean, as well as joining on here to help others.
Like to think I'll "pass it forward" in the future. I've took a lot from the forum, haven't really felt in a position to help others yet.
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