Hey everybody, I am nervous about writing on this forum, but it is time I stop my impulsive gambling. For some reason I just can't shake my addiction to slot machines, it's just always on my mind. I just can't seem to stop and I feel like I really need help. I haven't told my partner or my parents as I'm ashamed to tell them how much I've lost over time. Any help is appreciated even if someone can chat to me for 5 minutes. Thank you.
Hi it is great you have joined the site and have recognised you have a problem, that is a very brave thing to do admitting this and joining here. You are not alone. You will find lots of support here.
Hi jbro and welcome to the forum :))
I'm alway's going to say " Honesty is the best policy " as far as telling your partner/ parent's but ultimately it's down to you , I think you'll find that the majority feeling on here is that you do have to come clean and it's better to come from you in a controlled way rather than someone finding out when you least expect it ? .
I came clean a couple of years ago and it was probably one of the hardest things I'd ever had to do but that being said it gave me the courage to tackle my addiction openly and honestly with the support of my loved ones , gambling loves all the secrecy and if you " Fess up " then it really has no place to hide as your accountable to others and not just yourself .
You need to install some blocking softwear in order to stop yourself playing online , Betfilter , netnanny are a couple you could download ? You can also self exclude from the sites and change your email address so you don't get offers thrown at you from the gambling companies because theyv'e noticed you had stopped gambling , Gamcare will be able to giveyou more info if you need any help :)).
If you have problems with debt they can advise you on that too , just ask :))
Keeping funds to gamble out of easy reach is also a good idea , maybe report your card lost and when the new one arrives scratch off the 3 digit code ( without writing it down ) so you can't use it online ? .
And keep yourself busy:)) use the time you used to gamble to do something else , it doesn't matter what ( well maybe not lion taming ) although it would get the adrenalin pumping that's for sure ! .
Those simple things all add up to what we call on here the " Time money location Triangle " if you remove one then you can't gamble :))
As Who am I said There's loads of support available on here , just ask questions and someone will answer :))
All the best for now
Alan
As much as you dont want to disclose, it's better to do so now than in two years time when you look back with hindsight and think, I really wish I taken the next step two years ago....
Hi jbro, I like you have started the first steps today, nearly 24 hours and I'm ready to sleep. I haven't lost any money and earned £120. I've taken it out in cash and it's in my bed side drawer. If it's not in the bank I can't spend it, and it feels really good.
I really wish you all the best, we can do this
Sammy
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