After trying to stop gambling via the 'usual' methods i.e. having a joint account with partner, self exclusions on the most visited sites, drawing money from bank to have in cash rather than available online - I sort help from google, bringing me to here.
I imagine that I'm in the same position as a lot of people with regards to not really knowing what makes me gamble but it seems that no matter how much I win (and there have been instances where I've got into the 10's of £1,000's) I always seem to keep going. It's like I'm more addicted to the feeling of losing rather than that of winning.
I think my biggest problem is that I can never seem to justify spending money on myself, but instead will try to use money I have to gain more through gambling so that the gambled winnings (if I get them) can be used, but its a never ending cycle until I lose everything.
I've never ran into debt and only spend what I have available to me, but it would be good to speak to people who have been successful in techniques in trying to stop.
Hi pal... it depends to some degree how and what you gamble on as there are different approaches. Let us know a bit more about your problem.
It's mainly horses. If and when I win, I usually put a bit of effort into the selections, but when I lose, I'll tend to usually bet on the favourite in the next and increase stake to cover the loss on the previous race. It's odd because like I said, it's like i'm addicted to losing rather than winning as I will keep going until I have nothing. A big part of it is probably me thinking that "it's money I didn't have anyway" which I realise is not the case at all.
Hi,
Good to hear from you in the chat room earlier and I assure you it is not like that every night!!
I too have felt guilty about spending on me and even more so now that I have moved into recovery. I question the cost of items when I would think nothing of spending hundreds of pounds in a bookies.
The best advice I can give is to take and respect recovery one day at a time.
I also managed to get 12 gamcare counselling sessions (free) on a 121 basis which helped me open up and understand why I gambled. Not for everyone but give Gamcare a call.
Went to GA a couple of times but it did nothing for me.
Support is vital to get you through the difficult times bit look at the gambling triangle
Time - money -.location.
Take one away and you can't gamble.
Keep reading other diairies and keep posting. The support on here helps.
I last gambled 218 days ago. It can be done.
Best wishes
Thanks for the post Balvaird. I did wonder about GA - to be honest though, I'm a bit reluctant because in my head I don't think I'm at the stage which would justify attendance at those kind of sessions - did they not work for you then?
To be honest, I'm glad i've found this site. Despite some of the c**P going on in the chat room today, it's good to talk to people in similar situations. 218 days is impressive, one day i'll hopefully be able to say the same.
Hi,
My particular GA meeting had around 10 members all of whom had stopped gambling for over 2 years.
After the introductions each week it seemed to drop into a sport conversation with tea and biscuits thrown in. As it was a 25 mile round trip I felt the Gamcare counselling was better.
Someone who explained I wasn't weird or different or evil cause I gambled. They also delved as to why it became compulsive for me
Best wishes
Hi MRB89
​I'm not sure what you think constitutes the stage where you need to justify going to GA. The only stage that needs to be reached is a desire to stop gambling. Unfortunately I think you have already been given all the ammunition to not attend that you needed above. Having attended GA for over 8.5 years across numerous locations I have never experienced what you have had described to you in any meeting I have been too. Perhaps there are a few bad apple meetings but this certainly is not the norm. GA will not work for those looking for instant answers in a few meetings. It requires commitment and effort and the more you put into it the more it will reward you back. If you are ready to stop and stay stopped what do you have to lose by checking out your local meeting. If you want it, I'm sure you will find the strength, hope and experience offered for free to all that can be found there
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Good luck MRB89. Look forward to seeing you in the chatroom! Sadly I won't be there tonight, but it definitely helps. T x
Welcome to the forum and good luck
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