New Year New Start

Hi Tom, welcome to the forum. Reaching out is the first big step towards recovery so well done. As you say being on here makes you realise you are not alone with this and there are many other people going through the same at various stages of trying to overcome compulsive gambling. It amazed me when I first joined 18 months ago just how many stories were very similar to mine. Reading other peoples stories really does help with picking up tips on how best to move forward. Everyone is different so you just need to find whats best for you but, as I'm sure you have picked up, getting as many blockers in place is the ideal way to start so you cannot gamble when the urge surfaces. 

Please keep posting and if you need any advice on anything please ask as someone will come up with something for you

All the best

Hi Bladesman

Thanks for your reply. It definitely helps being able to speak with people of the same mindset and also seeing how people can recover. The biggest fear at the start is not being able to do it, especially when I have failed so many times before.

I have set up gamstop and Gamban which obviously helps. 

Thanks again

Tom

No problem Tom. The other blocker I would suggest for online gambling is to contact your Bank and put a block on gambling tractactions from your debit card. Understand your trepidation but the past is the past, what happens from now on is the important bit. For me, Gamcare were amazing at the start, after contacting them  they arranged some counselling which really helped me being able to talk about anything without being judged, maybe something to consider.

You can do this

Yes I have blocked gambling transactions on my card and have set up the 1-1 counselling with Gamcare

Thank you again for your guidance. It gives me more confidence that this is achievable 

Tom

Hi Tom, 

Welcome to the Forum.

You have taken a really brave step reaching out for support. Often taking the first step is the hardest and you have been able to do that. Well done for putting the blocks in place also. 

Have you any other hobbies or interest that you could look into? What other activities do you enjoy. 

Hope to hear from you soon and keep posting! 

All the best

Ricki 

Forum Admin.