**posted by mjc1974**

Posted: Fri 04 Jul 2014 19:07:44

I'm a 39 year old with a gambling problem. I finally admitted to myself and my family in march 2014 that I had a problem. I contacted breakeven which provided counselling support. this was going well until the counsellor started to tell me how much they had won at casinos etc. I didn't go back after that as didn't find that helpful!!

I stupidly relapsed in may 2014, thankfully I didn't get into further debt as I "won".

my husband and family have been very supportive. I have been to the doctor and asked to be referred to counselling through the gp, however locally they don't do the gambling support.

luckily since my relapse I haven't felt the urge to gamble as when I have been in a low mood or bored I have gone out of the house and visited family to talk to them.

I have changed my mobile phone number as I kept on getting phone calls and messages from casinos. I have also changed my email address to stop the messages. I have given my husband access to my bank account and any money that I manage to save I give him to look after.

I am still paying off the gambling debt that I accrued before that my husband let me take the money off the offset mortgage and I pay that back.

is there anything else I can do? I know this isn't something that i'll get over and it's with me for life. does writing a daily diary help?

I know I am one of the lucky ones as I have a large network of family and friends that I can talk to but sometimes I need to talk to someone that is a stranger. is this normal?

thank you for reading

suzieb

Posted: Fri 04 Jul 2014 22:47:32

Hi there...just read your post with great interest. The first thing that came to my mind was please don't be too hard on yourself. You have done/are doing something absolutely amazing- you have become aware of what 's going on and you are taking active steps to help yourself- that's brilliant, so give yourself a big pad on the shoulder. My personal advice would be to find yourself a really good therapist who can work with you on a 1-2-1 basis, and perhaps a local Gamcare Meeting where you find friends who have had similar experiences and will support you. And lots of self- care- diet, exercise and meditation. Again, congratulations on taking the first important steps.

mjc1974

Sun 06 Jul 2014 16:40:24

suzieb

thank you for your response to my post.

I have started looking after myself better. I'm watching what I'm eating and I've joined the gym!

I've also increased my hours at work so I'm not spending as much time at home by myself.

looking forward to the kids having the 6 weeks off as well, as they don't let you get bored! lol

suzieb

Sun 06 Jul 2014 21:05:53

Hi again, that all sounds absolutely fantastic.

Again, you have taken the most important, amazing step, you recognised the need for change and everything will turn around for you now if you stick to it and decide to stay in charge!

Keep me posted on how you are doing, speak soon and so so well done.