Hi all. I don’t really want to share my name so hopefully it hasn’t shown up. I have a bit of a problem and now I’m struggling. I was working up until end of October last year, and during work I had received an email. So obviously I took advantage. I’ve really messed up though. And since I’ve never been in this situation, I could really use some advice if possible. How do I stop? I have closed some of my accounts but I’ve spent about £400 in the last two days and have nothing to show for it. So I’m trying to stop myself from spending anymore to “win back” my losses. But it’s so hard. Thank you in advance. I don’t think this is where I’m supposed to write this. But I’m not sure how this site works yet.
Hello Makeitstop22
It is good to have you here on our Forum. Please do know that you can get through this with help and support, therefore, you have made a good start by reaching out.
We have advisors available 24/7 on our Helpline or LiveChat option. You can contact an Adviser on 0808 8020 133 who will be able to talk you through the best way forward.
In the meantime, please continue to use the Forum where you will be able to connect with others in Recovery from problem gambling and who will share their experience, strength and hope with you.
Please know that you are no longer alone...
Best
Amanda
Forum Admin
@forum-admin Thank you so much! I’m not ashamed to admit I need help so I do appreciate this website.
Hi, welcome to the forum. No need to share your name and well done for realising you have a problem, we are are here for the same reason. Reading your post you sound like you want to stop but are chasing the losses, a common problem for many of us. You need to accept that what's done is done and let the losses go.
If your gambling is online please register with Gamstop to block access to all websites, also put a blocker on your phone or whatever you use to gamble. I have installed Betblocker on mine for the maximum period of 5 years. Contact your Bank as well to get them to block gambling transactions from your debit card.These blockers will help when the urge to gamble arises.
I see that admin have been it contact and would recommend speaking with them as they will give you great advice for your own situation.
I was like you when in June 2020 my life changed for the better after secretly gambling heavily for 5 years. My wife discovered what I had been doing so it was both the worst and best thing that could have happened. I immediately put all the blockers in place mentioned above and contacted Gamcare. They were amazing and arranged some counselling which really helped being able to talk about anything without being judged.
It's a long road to recovery, in fact I don't think i will ever fully recover but here I am 20 months later still gamble free. It's been difficult at times but with the support of my amazing wife and family and the help from Gamcare life is now so much better.
The first days and week are the hardest but with each day take the positive that you have gone another day without gambling. You can do this
All the best.
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