Hi.
I'm finally admitting something that I have known for a long time... I have a problem with gambling. I've stopped several times over the last three years when I realised things were getting out of hand, however I've always started again, I think 9 months is my record. Getting back into gambling always follows the same pattern... Small stakes and a run of wins. This then escalates until I'm having large stakes (for me that's up to £200 a times) and a longer run of losses. I inevitably chase these until my bank account is empty and I'm searching for payday loans. I'm close to £25k in debt and my credit is shot to pieces. Yesterday at 2pm I had £700 in the bank, most of this was accounted for over the coming weeks. By 3pm my bank was empty and I was applying for loans again.
I knowi have a problem, I've known for a while. But this is me finally admitting it. Today I've been through all my online accounts and excluded myself and typing these words out makes me feel better already. I know there's a long way to go and a lot of heartache to come but this I my "day 1". Ive tried to quit on my own in the past but always ended up gambling again.
Now I need help and support but I'm determined to stop for good now.
HI Liam,
Welcome to the forum. Well done for owning up to your gambling addiction. Like myself after a large loss I knew it was time to face up to my problem before I carried on the escalation downwards. With the help of this forum and attending GA meetings I'm now over 50days gamble free. Not bad for someone who bet everyday for over two years! I take each day as it comes, trying to control my stress and temper levels. To be honest without gambling the two have so far been easy to control. I believe you have to be mentally strong minded too.
I believe no one can fight this addiction alone. You haven't said anything about telling friends or family. You will need support, people to talk too. I've only told my wife but she doesn't really understand the mind and actions of a compulsive gambler. That's why the GA meetings are so important and why I really recommend them to anyone who is serious about stopping. Everyone in the room is an addict, no forms to fill out, you just attend to talk or listen.
Keep posting mate, share and ask what you wish you will always be given an answer on here.
All the best in your recovery.
Hi LiamPD.
Some great words from Shep72 there and I echo that.
What you havent done is mention people close for support which is a key factor in beating this. If you have somone close and I include your parents then you should start to open up and talk about it.
Its part of the honesty and open process and it also gives you someone to report to and make proud again. It tightens up your barriers and gives it a focus if you know what Im getting at. I showed my parents my exclusion forms and it helps bring meaning and finality to the process.
Im not living with anyone but I finally told the bank of mum and dad that they are not to give me any money without seeing exactly whats is for. This takes away all my excuses as they know I have enough money to pay my bills. At the same time I self excluded from everywhere I had been.
It took two major things away and made me more accountable. It took away any feeling of backup money without it being obvious that I was gambling again. It adds a strength as I want to show them I can get my life back
I told them I would be living within my means and all my bills are paid right on time which they are now
I am proud to show them my finances and have said at any time they can ask me and look. I am glad to tell them anything they want to know about it. I regularly report everything is up to date because it makes me feel good as well. I have to prove myself again and Im happy to do that.
I kept talking to them until they finally see that my gambling over the years was an addiction and a cry for help. They now understand more that I was self destructing and not just being stupid, greedy and wasteful with good money.
Previously I had tried to stop on my own because I was secretive and ashamed. The reality was I was getting money from my parents and gambling it. Then I was lying to them and myself that I could control it. I could stop through fear for a while but the addiction was always there and I would start again when I felt slightly ahead or just plain stressed.
Anyway Im now over 100 days clean and gamble free. I made sure I have the days on my profile now. I dont feel the worries as I have a new open attitude, pride and blocks. My counselling starts in two days.
I wish you all the best
Hi Liam like you I have today realised what a huge problem I have with gambling. I stayed up all night distraught at having cleared out my bank account of all the money I needed by online gambling leaving nothing to pay the bills this month. I am doing the same as you and am self excluding from the sites. I have also applied for counselling through gamcare and am going to try to motivate myself to go to a GA meeting tonight. I realise that it is impossible to beat this alone.
Gambling is such an awful addiction as most people don't understand why you do it. It leaves you feeling isolated worthless and disgusted at yourself for being so stupid. Hopefully with the support on this site we will both be able to beat this awful addiction.
So here's to being positive and getting our lives back!
afternoon all , juat wanted to say did exactly the same myself this month on online roulette , but tore myself away before i lost the majority of my rent money too which cud lead to disaster as we know we should not be left alone with loads of funds and the best way to abstain is to make sure the gambling triangle is broken by least one element , time , location , money take one away we can,t self destroy , blocks , blocks , block , no cash no loss , NO GAMBLING
start of spring , stay strong ppl, we just funding billionaires
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