Rock Bottom

Hi Pat

Well done for coming to Gamcare, because if you really want to stop, and you have to really really want to stop you can, there are so many of us here who have been exactly where you are know, about losses, lying, embarasement, deciet etc and all the BS that comes along with gambling addiction. You cant remember the last time you was truly happy because you are addicted, deeply addicted to gambling. Roulette is a demon of a game, has and will never be beaten. Your only 29 you have a 3 year old son you have a lot, and if you stop you will get your life back and your son will look up to you, get off the gambling bus it is better on this side trust me. Find what will work for you as everyone is different but make steps to stop, no excuses, you can do it Pat there are a lot of people who can help you.

Hi Patrick.

You say you cant remember the last time you were truly happy which gets to the root of how many gamblers feel. I know that my gambling was linked with a level of depression I have felt most of my life.

Gambling is not the answer to the emptiness you feel inside. Youve seen how it has destroyed your finances and you need all the help you can get to reach a born again moment.

We recommend that its very important to tell your family. You are already taking them along on the ride to destruction and secrets are no good for anyone.

You are addicted which is an illness. You need good blocks and support to enter the first period of cold turkey. Keep focusing on what gambling actually is and what its actually done to you. Its not a get it back later scheme but its a devastating addiction in how its sold to you by the gambling dens.

Its not an income scheme and it is a mugs game. If you want your life back you need to stop gambling now. However your willpower alone will not do it and your family can ensure you have a sandwich allowance in your pocket and nothing else.

Are you ready? Please ring gamcare as many times as you like and keep talking about it. A chat with the doctor is also a good idea.

When you learn about the addiction you realise it is a self destructive form of mind control. It shreds relationships and will think nothing of leaving you bankrupt and homeless.

You can recover and learn to enjoy life for what it is.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Thanks for your comments.

I wish too you could go back. There are a many things I would do differently. I used to say I wish I could remove the part of my brain that controls my gambling. The reality is that that can never happen. It can only be controlled and I have to accept that before I can begin to make myself better.

For me personally the thought of letting down my family and hurting people close to me is the worst thing about this illness. I find myself getting upset when I think of what I have put them through. And I often wish for one day people could feel how I feel and what it's like to live with.

Thanks all
Pat

Hi Pat, Hi 10220490,

Welcome to the Forum and well done for posting. It sounds like you both find yourself at rock bottom. As much as rock bottom can be incredibly painful and challenging to endure, it is often the starting point for positive change. Smashed and Joydiveder offered some good advice already, and I would just like to re-iterate that talking to people around you, coming clean is a big help in finding the focus and motivation to stop and stay stopped. Also putting blocks into place, limiting access to money, time and blocking access to

I would also recommend speaking to an adviser either on the Netline or the Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Please keep posting and sharing and reaching out.

All the best,

Forum Admin