Well where to begin, I have a gambling problem, not a little a problem a huge problem. It has cost me so much including a spell in prison, which I have recently been released from. My gambling got to the point where I made very bad choices and took money from where I worked. It got so bad that I couldn't sleep for worrying and kept gambling more and more.
Finally I decided I needed help and I went and confessed all to my bosses, they may never of found out but I couldn't live with myself anymore.
I have lost everything, am 36 and have had to move back home to my parents, have no job and my job prospects are not looking great. On top of this I still can't stop thinking about the gambling.
I haven't gambled since I got out, I really don't want to but I can't stop thinking about it. I so want my to get my life back on track but the best I can do is keep hoping that it gets easier everyday.
I can't get any lower so I can only look up. I have got a great family behind me and need to do this for them as much as I need to do this for myself.
Anyway, I will keep hoping for the best, and keep moving forward.
Hi Matty,
First of all welcome to forum, you've taken a big step to come here and seek help so a massive well done for that!!
Like yourself, the majority of people on here including myself have a huge gambling issue and all made wrong decisions along the way.. I myself have only been excluded from gambling for 28 days but already seeing big differences.
You come across to me as a genuine person that really wants to *** this habit. By admitting to others you have an issue, that'll help you to get all the close support that you'll need to get through the tough times!! Just persevere, you'll make it, believe me!!
Everything ISN'T LOST.. you just need to take things one at a time. Exclude yourself from the necessary gambling associations, put free software blocker in place such as K9 (This worked for me). I suggest creating a diary (Through the recovery diaries) so you can share what you've achieved each day. Take it one step at a time but try and challenge yourself, set milestones and really set something that can be measured to track progress. I created a list and put it on my wall of all the reasons why I want to quit gambling and for me this really helped when I had strong gambling urges as I would refer to these. I have signed up to the 2014 challenge where you check in each week to share your thoughts and progress and is really well run by a fellow member (Mr B.) who writes weekly reports and really represents the benefits of kicking this habit. The 2014 challenge is located in the 'Overcoming Problem Gambling' tab.
Use your family, they will be supportive and help you through this. Ask for advice, interact with them and you'll really seek the benefits.
If you need someone to talk to then you can contact a GamCare assistant on 0808 8020 133. I would recommend counselling which will help you talk about any underlying issues you have and how to best overcome these. There are also other services such as GA that you can visit to get hands on advise and stories from fellow peers going through exactly the same as you..
I appreciate I might not be the best as sharing my thoughts but I hope you value this. I along with all the other members are here for you if you really put the effort in!! If not, you'll dig yourself a deeper and deeper hole and believe me, it will get worse if you continue to gamble.
Nice to see you fellow soldier, best of luck in your recovery. Thanks,
Andy
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