I was always a social person growing up and was never somebody to be a recluse I participated in multiple sports and always generally enjoyed life but over the course of a year and a half since I turned 18 gambling has become the centre of everything. Since I finished my football apprenticeship gambling has taken over my life all my money seems to just be frittered away on it. I can't help but think about my gambling I say I will not do it when I next get money but I always seem to slip back into my usual pattern but I don't seem to be strong enough to overcome it. I have lost friends, lied and deceived family members and just want to be left alone to gamble.every day the more I think about it the more repulsed I am. It's been two months since I turned 19 and i need to take drastic measures. All my friends and family can see there's a big change in me but I'm just to proud to admit what's going on. All of my hobbies have stopped because of gambling and opportunities have passed because of it. If I carry on down this path it looks as though I will be in for a life of misery. I just don't seem to be able to repel having bets on random sporting events and then I lie to myself by saying I know what's going to happen because I've played the sport before an excuse to have a bet . One bet leads to all my money going. This can be a hundreds or thousands and I'm always left with that feeling of despair when the money's gone. I don't know how I'm going to get my realationshps back together. This can't continue !!!
Your right, this can't continue.
You have taken the first step in your recovery by coming onto the sight and admitting you have a problem. You will come full circle in your recovery when you can tell your loved ones or family that you have a problem. Masking a gambling problem is the worst thing you can do. Take it from another compulsive gambler.
You will quit gambling one way or another. Meaning by your own will or because you will run out of money. The decision is yours on how you wish to quit.
Do not despair if you relapse, as most people in any addiction do not quit on their first try. But continuing to keep trying to quit will eventually lead to you fighting this addiction.
Be on gaurd and don't ever think you beaten this addiction, as this addiction requires you to be vigelent at all times. Over time though, it will get easier to abstain.
I am hoping for your success Conor.
Regards,
AM
Hi Conor 11,
The more you isolate yourself and continure gambling the worse the the downs will be until you become clinically depressed. The more your chase losses the more money you will definitely lose. You'll have the odd win but you'll give it back and more besides. Consider the money you have already lost to be dead money and gone forever. You can have a great life ahead of you but if you don't kick this addiction it will be hell. Block all gambling sites on your devices by using K9 and get someone else to set the password and keep it from you. Self exclude from High St bookies near you if you have used them. Get someone else to handle your finances on your behalf. You've got to put as many obstacles up to prevent your future gambling as you can. BELIEVE ME IT WILL BE WORTH IT. You will be the winner then. Not the bookie.
Yiou can get counselling via Gamcare and or you can attend GA meetings in your local area.
You could join the 2015 Challenge on the Forum. That's helped me a lot and i'm over 40 Days clean now. It's very much one day at a time but the urges do get less and less. If i can do it so can you.
Take Care Now.
Really appreciate the advice. three days without gambling now. Really have to sort out the huge hole gambling has left me money wise as well as socially. Gambling has just made me a recluse. Many thanks for all the great advice means the world
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