Relapse after long recovery

Hello BigCO29

Thank you for sharing.

Well done for being so honest and getting back on track after your set-back. From your description you have managed to stay gambling-free for a sustained period of time previously, this bodes well for you to be able to do so again. For more immediate support we have the Helpline anytime on 0808 8020 133 and our peer support Chatrooms.

It is admirable that you are open to learning more and accessing further support in your recovery journey. A few common places to start your research for a therapist in the UK (not exhaustive): Home | Relate (couples)

Help for problems with gambling - NHS (gambling and mental health)

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (private)

Wishing you supportive peer support responses soon.

Louise

Forum Admin

Hi bigCO29, im in the same position as you with the relapse, today is the 1st day of many without feeling awful and a complete let down to my family. Its not the 1st time this has happened to me, ill tell you about my story.

I started gambling when i was 18 and it was always football, never machines or casinos. Me, my dad and grandad would always have a £20 double each every saturday and the winnings went into a pot for xmas, that was fun and it was only £20 aweek which i could afford. My grandad passed in 2011 and the betting stopped with my dad but i carried on, it got alot worse and i lost alot of money, around £6000. I banned myself and didnt bet for 2 years, then i relapsed in 2013, i told my wife and self excluded again, i did really well for 8 years thinking i was over it but in 2022 i had another bet, only small thinking i could handle it, but no, i got out of control and lost alot of money, i dont know if i was bored or the excitement of winning but i lost, i mean i dont bet on horses because im rubbish at picking the winner, i tell myself im even worse at football but i still do it. So again i self excluded and go gamban on my phone which helped alot, but that ended in fed of this year and ive gotten into agen, i havent lost alot this time as my wife has found out before it can which im happy about. There really needs to be a lifetime ban for me. I think this time its hit home alot more as ive got kids now. I dont deserve the life i have because i keep s******g it up, so this is day 1 of a new start. 

I also have been through a relapse after 4 years of recovery. My husband has picked up on money issues and I am just about to tell him what has happened. I am not sure how he is going to react as it almost cost my marriage last time. The worst thing is I just lost our holiday as I was unable to make the payments and this is going to hit the nail in the head this time.  Unfortunately he isn't very supportive with any mental health issues and can be very aggressive so I am really scared how he will react.  I am starting on the long road to recovery again but need to deal with all the debt my gambling has left behind which doesn't help as it causes more anxiety.