Hi all I have read through the forum non stop since around 8 o clock last night since I stumbled upon it,
I have been a gambler since the age of 18 and I am currently 24, I have amassed debts of around 8000 pound in that time and lost savings family had for me (around 6000 pound in this time as well as every months wage etc) I lived with my Mum until February of this year when I moved in with my girlfriend, I was straight with her from the off about my gambling and my debt, she herself told me about her gambling past but not to my extent, I was clean from gambling for about 5 months from January til may, for some unknown reason me and my gf ended up in the casino, I said I would limit myself to 50 pound, next thing I know I am walking out of the casino 600 pound down and my girlfriend outraged at me. All of the gambling I have done since I have been with her she has knew about until yesterday....I lost just under1k, money I should be putting towards clearing my debt and us getting our own place, she has been away this weekend but I told her via text last night and understandably is gutted, I have vowed to her I will go to gamblers anonymous tomorrow in newcastle (does anyone off here go? Does it definitely happen?)
She wants me to go over my mums with her when she gets back in an hour or so and come clean about everything because she has no clue I am an addict, I really don't want to do thus but fear it is the only way I can keep my girlfriend, i really want to stop but really don't want to tell my mum cos I know it will break her,
Thanks in advance for any advice and hope I can stick along on the forum
Hi Newcastke
Welcome to the forum you will find a lot of support here and a community of people who understand your struggle with gambling please keep reading and posting on the forum.
Going to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting is a positive step in tackling your gambling issues and will give you group support. You can check on the location and times of meetings on their website
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
I would also encourage you to call our helpline and talk things through with a GamCare adviser on 0808 8020 133 or on our netline. The advisers can provide emotional support and helpful information as well as facilitate a referral to free one to one counselling appointments if you’d like to access that service.
Best wishes
Rachel.
Thanks Rachel, well I told my mum and amazingly feels a huge weight off my shoulders next step ga tomorrow
Hi mate.
First off welcome to the board, and well done on taking the first steps in admitting you have a problem.
I'm in a very similar situation to yourself, I'm 23 and racked up about 6.5k in debt due to compulsive gambling. I was doing well until a massive relapse last week in which I finally broke down and told my girlfreind I have a problem. She has being amazingly supportive is now keeping hold of my bank cards and giving me limited funds a week to live off.
So well done in telling your mum, it is definitely for the best, I promise you won't regret it.
How did the meeting go? I'm from the Sunderland area but my nearest meeting is also Newcastle. I've been meaning to go the last few weeks but it's never materialised.
Best wishes
Liam
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