Oh no

Thanks all. I am taking the steps advised and have been referred for counselling. I think a lot of comments about self worth are illuminating. Many of us have deep rooted esteem issues which really need addressing. Like many gamblers I would gamble hundreds rather than spend money on what I need and dare I say deserve. It is a warped mind set. I am hopefully putting things in place now but haven't had chance yet to have another big conversation with my partner. Slightly dreading it but will be handing over financial control. That is hard for me but as my problem has got so bad in the last few months it is my only option. Keep strong everyone there is a way out I am sure. Day 1 again for me today.

Dear all

I have failed again, gone back to gambling. Usual story, felt alright had a few wins, couldn't stop and lost more. Now another struggle. I seem to only post when I'm in trouble and have relapsed. I have counselling this week thank goodness. I cannot win because I cannot stop. My failure to constantly delude myself is staggering. I feel rubbish, pathetic and weak. I have to start again I know. It is up to me. Totally my responsibility. The dark thoughts and feelings that follow another big loss are consuming. Just have to start again. Ashamed. I apologise to all those who have supported me.

Probably not what you want to hear down and out but why have you not handed over your finances yet. Obviously this is an easy statement for me to make and you most likely feel like s**t, however, if you had won and was up would you be posting on here ?

You MUST hand over control of all finances to somebody, this works if we want it to.

Do you really want to stop gambling or are you wanting to control it ? As compulsive gamblers we cannot gamble on anything, we have to draw a line in the sand and move on.

Please hand over your finances and attend GA

Good luck

Yes you are right on both counts. I have to hand over my finances and would I have posted if I was up. No. Although only a matter of time. Darren are you based in Cov?

Hi Down and Out

I am a recovering CG.

To overcome this addiction you are going to need a lot of support. You also need to put barriers in place to help stop you from gambling when the urge strikes. Your willpower alone has always, and will always fail.

After reading your posts I feel that you are not treating the addiction with the respect it deserves. It will destroy your future if you let it.

You have self-excluded from online sites. Have you installed software to block access to gambling sites? Have you been to GA? Why are you putting off handing over your finances? These are questions that you need to ask yourself.

You have been given good advice by previous posters. That advice is only good if it is acted upon.

Best wishes

Hi

Yes I am in Coventry, are you ?

Yes i work there and live nearby. Do you go to GA there? I went once but found it quite intimidating.

Hi Wal1957.

Thanks for your post. It hurt me a bit when you said that I am not treating the addiction with the respect it deserves but then I realised you are absolutely right. I cannot continue without putting proper strategies in place. The self hate and loathing is so bad that I cannot continue in this half ar*** way. This time I have to stop. I really can't take it anymore. I will update my progress and make some real changes suggested by all. Thanks.

I do go there and know where you're coming from.

Dont take this the wrong way but I used to think it was intimidating but I now put this down to me thinking I knew best and wasnt willing to admit I needed the help. Maybe if you are now serious and have had enough you might find it ok. When did you last go ?

The group is one of the most successful in the country in terms of people staying away from gambling. I strongly suggest you attend but you need to be willing to accept advice. Happy to talk to you seperatly by text or email if you wish or I could even meet you before a GA session and go together.

Thanks Darren that is really kind of you. I am not sure how we can swap details confidentially? I am assuming there is a way. Thanks again.

ADMIN - please advise how we can swap details as above.

Hi Down and Out

I apologise if I did upset you with my post. My intention was purely to get you to act, and treat it seriously.

I was going on the basis that you had previously written that you were going to hand over your finances in march, and then in your next post in april after your bust you admit you haven't done so.

I have seen too many people who think they have the willpower to do it themselves, or treat it as though it is just a stage they are going thru. Inevitably their gambling gets worse and causes more damage to themselves, their families and their future.

I too have been upset by some posts on this forum. However, I generally find if I take a break, and then come back to it, I can understand the true intent of the posters words, and that I had misinterpreted the intent of the poster.

Best wishes

Yes soon after I realised you were right. Thanks for your support I really do appreciate it.

Dear all

Just an update really. Now 19 days GF and better for it. I have had a few counselling sessions which are really helpful and I would recommend to everyone even if you do relapse. It's just good to talk to someone and explore ways to act differently in certain situations (it doesn't have to be a search into your inner demons or childhood problems). Anyway next time I go hopefully I will be 30 days free of this miserable addiction. It can be done guys although this is my third attempt. I can't say that i never feel like it but I keep the recollection of misery close to my mind when I have the urge. Good luck to you all. You can get out of this with help.

Hi down and out
Just saying good morning hope ur staying strong. Be positive and have a good day.
have ya had cuppa green tea yet lol