Relapsed

I know it sounds like the same advise but you've gotta try something different Dave.

How can you stop your access to gambling? What have/haven't you tried? It might take you a massive combo of blocks, don't just discount 1 on its own as worthless to you, add to it. Have you shared your struggles with people close to you? People care and will help you whatever you think about yourself! I don't know you but i know this addiction and people need people, im trying to help because i care.

Go deeper. What does gambling fill? WHY do you turn to gambling? For me it was to feel part of something. It wasn't money, money never has motivated me. Numbers interest me, i have that little geeky side to myself too. It was a world i could and very much did get lost in. I wasn't happy with the me in real life and it was easier to hide then to face that and change. Im proud to be me and the person i have grown to be away from gambling. I don't need gambling now. Im not bragging or saying its easy, its not. But if you can remove that reason it becomes easier.

You've done some reasonable GF runs so you can stop yourself gambling, you know that part. Maybe you need to focus on the recovery side more and work that minefield out.

First things first again, break that cycle then build on that.

All the best.

Thank you for your reply SJW.

I seem to want to gamble more so when i've had a drink, merely to nick a few quid, which never happens.

I've not had a bet for 4 days now which is a small start. It's so easy to find these new casino's though, i've self-excluded from bundles yet always seem to find more!

Anyway onwards and upwards!

Ispeak from what struggle with is you need to keep the blocks there

Get the blocks in place. Get gamstop set up. Get k9 free software on your devices to stop gambling (get a friend or relative to be the admin so you can't get past the password). If you feel the need to gamble, get on this forum and read some of the stories, it'll fortify you to not gamble. Good luck

K9 dont help. it takes 5 minutes, google it how to uninstall it without password.

The problem with being a recovering gambler is that we can be very, very, sneaky. For example, desperately trying to uninstall anti-gambling software.

In which case, it's time for 'Plan B'. And that is to hand over full financial control to a trusted friend, loved one or relative. 100%, and no cheating. You must be upfront and honest and put it in place for at least a YEAR to start with. No cards, and any cash (pocket money) needs to be accounted for.

Your friends and loved ones will understand. They don't like you being skint and the way you are around them. They'll do anything to help.

I, personally, have handed financial control over to my wife.

I know what I'm like and what I have to do. It's for the best and a much better life than the miserable, destructive alternative.

Dave1982. wrote:

Hello all,

I've been on and off this site for a number of years but have just wasted £800 playing those stupid online slots. Got up on the feature 3 times and it gave me a measly £18 £19 and £12.50 return. i just can't seem to stop this awful addiction.

Any further advice is welcome, please help!

Hi Dave,

The best single piece of advice, gained through learning the hard way, I can give is this...

Ask yourself this... Are you ready to give up gambling for the rest of your life? Can you accept that you must never gamble again? The litmus test is sign up to GAMSTOP. If you end up self excluding for any amount of time less than the maximum of 5 years, you are not there yet. Don’t leave the door open for a future gamble. There is no such thing to us CGs as a harmless little gamble. Only when you are genuinely at ease with the notion that your life going forward will no longer contain gambling, are you in with a fighting chance of being able to give up for good.

Good luck!

Hi,

I’m new here but also in recovery from gambling. I fully agree with the last comment. We have to fully commit to a life of no gambling in order to stop. No half measures. Also, try to realise that gambling and wanting money are two different things. We confuse ourselves in believing that it’s money that we crave. Our addiction has nothing to with that. Our addiction wants the high. The feeling of anticipation. Try to remove the concept of money within gambling. Your urge doesn’t want that, it never has. It just wants the adrenaline highs and feelings involved in the action. Don’t let your addiction lie to you. All the best and fully commit to a life of recovery. You can do it 🙂