Serious gambling issues since age 18yrs

i can't tell you what the best option to take is but I can share my experience of moving away from gambling.

I realized I had a gambling problem when my dad told me I had a problem and I decided to go to GA, I know it's not for everyone but I went there for a number of weeks to get my head around my problem and to understand what addiction is and how to process and relate with like minded people.

Maybe give that another shot? 

Fail that I would recommend the chats they have on here and work on the help provided by this site and dedicate time towards it other than gambling.

I know how hard it can be to stop and everyone's situation is different but if you want to stop you have to work for it.

I hope this kinda helps in some way

Dave101 

Thanks for reply Dave

I don't know what your experiences with GA meetings are.

When I use to attend for a first time many of people there said I am not talking today because there's a new person here.[which was me]

I felt like being back at school.

Then some people were telling their stories saying I didn't gamble for a whole month I didn't do it for 7 months now etc

You could clearly see that these people are pathological liers on their face expression

I don't believe none of that would do any good for me to.quit gambling

I think most efficient is talking to person from gamcare on the phone once every few days.

Nothing else helps or make any sense for myself everyones different 

Moses,Gamstop,etc can be cheated at anytime

I can understand about GA, it doesn't work for everyone and not every group is good. I was one of the lucky ones and had a decent group in which now I can just rely on gamcare now.

Even then If I get the chance I will pop into there group. 

I hope you find all the help you need digitally but I know what it's like to try to stop alone and it's bloody hard

Just remember you are not alone in the journey of being gamble free.

Coming up on 2 years now and I can't wait for the next 2 years away from gambling 

Take care

Dave101

I am sick and tired of battling it every second of the day,it’s much easier just to go to these places and spend all your money.That’s the biggest issue I always had.And it gives me something to do.I cannot find replacement for gambling what to do go for walks,go to gym,buy something,watch to?That doesn’t give you same buzz

Posted by: @wbr9jcpn3y

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Hi everyone I have been gambling since I've been a little child.My father use to be a gambler and heavy alcoholic since his brother had a brain injury.He never talked about his feelings and only way to escape from his emotional feelings was to gamble and drink alcohol I suppose.I get that.Since I was about 12 years old I had to go out looking for him in every single pub in town and once I found it I was trying to bring him home.He taught me how to gamble,how ro place sport bets but he never bought me an alcoholic drink or told me to drink.I never ever touched a drink in my life.I don't drink alcohol at all.I can say I hate alcohol because of my father.The problem on other hand is that I have serious gambling problem since early childhood.Once I reached 18yrs old I moved to UK and lived here since that day.Ive got my first job when I came here and that's where it started on different scale.All my wages went onto gambling slot machines,sport betting you name it.Sometimes I didn't even pay rent and had to sleep rough.When I was about 23+ I realise that I have to pay rent and buy ,,some food' and rest of my money still went into gambling.I am now almost 37 years old and I am trying to give up but as you all know it's not so easy because my brain got use to it on daily basis.Never ever had an suicidal thoughts maybe because I didn't lose more then 1500 pounds a months ever.As I didn't earn more then that.

I already tried many things counselling,GA meetings,replace gambling with gym,swimming at leisure centre running etc etc but that only works for few days and I always find myself at square one after.I think once you taught something in your early childhood it's impossible to change your behaviour even of you tried so so hard.Also part of it could be in my blood from my father side.

I really don't know if its possible just to stay cold turkey and quit or what else you can do.

I tried Moses which is absolute nonsense.I still go to many betting shops that I am self excluded at and half of staff members have no idea whatsoever about me being banned there.It just doesn't work.

Then when's nothing left I just go to the pub witherspoon or else and you can spend hundreds on them 100 pounds jackpot machines and you cannot self exclude yourself from going to pubs where they make food.

 

God knows I am doing the hardest to stop but I don't know what else I can do to quit for good

I'm so sorry to hear that your gambling addiction has caused you problems. I applaud you for seeking assistance and making an effort to address this issue because it is obvious that your upbringing and early exposure to gambling had a significant impact on your life.
It's crucial to acknowledge that beating a gambling addiction can be very difficult, but it is possible with the right help and strategies.

I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced with gambling. and i konw It's not easy to break free from an addiction, especially when it's been a part of your life for so long. Remember that you're not alone in this journey, and there are people who want to help and support you.