Newbie.....

Hi Andrew, firstly it's good you realise you have a problem.

Next is what you are going to do to change things.

1. Blocks

Register on gamstop for max 5 years

Self exclude from acrades / bookies and casinos

2. Money

Try to pass control across to limit your access.

3. Time

Try to focus your time on something else.

It's not easy and I've gambled since i was 13 with multiple releases. You have to stick to Guns and take each day at a time.

It's sickening but try to forget losses and focus on moving forward.

Sam

Thank you......I've self exclude on betting sites...but it's in store I do....mixed with anger...and also alcohol abuse....gamcare gonna ring me as they've assessed me...and tomorrow I will be engaging with alcohol service.....so have come 2 terms with that and I'm ready to accept help....but I could be in trouble with the police.....I have no criminal record...only spent time in one due to my mental health.....this is really worrying me

You’re in the right place mate.

keep talking, don’t look back and keep moving forward. 

no point to regret. Head up and hard work needed. You’ve got this 

Hello Andrew1234 and Welcome to the forum.

Thats very Honest of you and I appreciate that

Both gambling and alcohol are your drugs of choice so you start with that reality. The answers are actually within you. What do you want from life and what are you escaping from?

Gambling is not the answer and alongside a recovery you have some deep thinking to do.

I will tell you what I had to face up to. I was lonely and had actually been lonely for decades. I wallowed in my own self pity and low self esteem but put a brave front on it. Well I say brave front but it would actually have come over as being jaded, mildy angry, cheesed off, standoffish, bit snobby, above people and bitter....turning into more than a grumpy middle aged man. I had started not to like people and was taking some twisted comfort in that.

A defence mechanism as I had been hurt many times and Im not actually really like that

Sure I could have a laugh and come over as kind but deep down I was hurting and there was a real self destructive streak in me. Gambling was a hit...an escape....a release if you like and I had been that way since the age of twelve.

With a proper recovery Im working on it. A friendship is important and I dumped some toxic hangers on and tried to start making some good contacts. Just being positive is an attractive quality...you dont have to make instant friends or come over as desperate to do so

My job in hospitality helps and Im glad I changed to jobs where I could express myself more.

I know it sound a bit twee but you have to see the good in yourself and work on that. We understand the gambling addiction and you must follow the trusted advice and reach out for help.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Thanks guys......well with me my problems started at 8 of age....I was abused by a family member till I was 15....then in my early twenties all I did was sleep around had no self respect....until I met someone who I was with 8 years....then the troubles begin each monthly wage packet would be telephone betting to w**********l..odd £20 then it escolated..finally the relationship broke down...and moved back in with my dad which was very volatile to say the least...then I became unwell..was diagnosed with my disorder...so was sectioned in and out for about 3 years...even in there i was placing bets...finally moved in 2 a flat..2011..then it was happening all over again but I've  become  a reclusive don't have no friends so gambling I found was my company then the binge drinking to go with it....luckily my bills are payed on time...but loans in the last year is standing at 10...then I'm totally mixed up in my own bubble...gambling and drinking ..is horrific if I loose any horse the vile abuse I send on Facebook is shocking...I've lost count if I'm honest...and I don't remember at that moment...what broke the camels back Thursday afternoon or evening..I've never told my mum but I did Saturday nite...she's not ok with it...however my sister as disowned me after she sent me a screenshot from Twitter what I said....horrendous...so I've deleted my Facebook for the time bein...I've never ever had criminal record in my life...thought of bein arrested makes my stomach churn....so since sat not left the house...but today sorted appointments for later this week....so I'm gonna meet my mum for a coffee tommorow...if I'm not locked up.....that's my life at the minute...rock bottom can only improve from here onwards...thanks

How’s things?