Hi Everyone
This is my first time on this forum, I only found out about it yesterday through Gamcare when I called for support for a relapse. My initial response was, ah I don't need that, I'll be OK without. But I am sitting this morning going through the links in the email the kind lady sent me and the first post I read on here was from one day ago and I realised clearly I am not alone in my addiction and fight to beat this addiction.
I've been gambling since I was legally able to, I'm 39 and been gambling on and off since I was 18.Â
I'm in the very early stages of going through that process of coming to terms with wanting to stop but still having the cravings and desire to go gamble even though I lost £300 of my own money yesterday plus put back in £400 winnings.Â
I hope being in a place where other people can relate will help as I have stopped telling close family and friends, I am tired of the lectures, lack of understanding and they just don't get it.Â
Thanks, Danny
Hi Danny,
I’m also very new to this forum and I shared your initial thoughts. But so far I’ve found this very helpful in my recovery, as I’m finding myself reading posts to stay motivated at points where I would usually give in to gambling urges.Â
It’s refreshing to have a platform where people with shared experiences can connect. I have people around me who care, but they can’t help me because they don’t understand. Without intending to, all they’ve really done is judge me. Before I experienced this first hand, I would’ve probably done the same, it’s so easy to view this addiction as reckless rather than a serious affliction.Â
I see how that it’s so important to talk to people who are going through the same as you are. I really wish I had found this website sooner.Â
@a0g36izycs Thanks for replying to my post.
Yeah there's something about talking to people who have gone through or are going through the same issue.
I think part of the problem is gambling doesn't seem to have the same awareness as smoking, drugs or excess drinking. It feels like gambling and the dangers of it, fly under the radar of the mainstream and it doesn't help that it is to some extent glorified, especially on social media.
I stopped gambling for around 2 years, around 2/3 years ago but relapsed the start of this year. I kept feeding the habit by watching gambling videos on YouTube, even though I wasn't actually gambling, that was one of the things that got me back into it.
In my opinion it should be banned from advertising the same as smoking but it won't cause there's too much money in it.
Welcome to the forum, and well done for admitting you have a problem. This was me 7 months ago. I realised I was in trouble. I attacked it head on. My advice: read every single post on here. It will distract you from gambling for a start. It will also make you realise you are definitely not alone. You will pick up so many tips and advice by doing this and you won’t want to gamble again. Some of the stories will make you ever wonder why anyone gambles!
Take all the advice. Put the work in and believe me your life will be so much better.
Stay strong 💪Â
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