Just joined only to find a string topics advertising for gambling sites. bit of an interesting start.
Decided to come here after yet another one of those nights where I've blown yet another chunk online.
I've known its been an issue for me for some time but family/friends etc know nothing about it so not really had anyone to vent to or talk it over with.
I've been wasting vast sums for the past 10 years or so - started with a few quid in the bookies here and there before a big win and massive high a few years back when I became 'invincible'. Luckily I've held my business together and not crossed that threshold but i've come very close. It's personal relationships have been strained due to my never having a decent reason why I'm stressed, depressed or over the moon.
2018 has seen the worst of my habit/addiction. I'd be surprised if I hadn't magically made £50k disappear like a manic, late night, mouse clicking, copperfield.
I always try to make a joke of it to myself but could really do with some advice and a nudge in the right direction. It got silly years ago and now its a huge weight on my shoulders that I can't seem to shift.
All the best.
J
Join gamstop mate you'll never look back brilliant timing on when to join as its just come in and helps no end
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Hi KFOT, hopefully those ads have been removed! The first hurdle is admitting you're beaten. As you say throwing money down the drain is not healthy. You are experiencing the affects on your relationships and this will get worse as you continue. To really stop this destructive behaviour you have to be honest. Get help and support. Put barriers in place. Join gamstop. Download software to block gambling sites. Hand over finances. Find a GA meeting. Call gamcare and talk to someone. Don't think you've beaten it, this is for life. There are many stories to read, advice to follow. Don't have that next bet.
Self exclude online mate. 5year maximum.
Download gamcare-admittedly i’ve not done that but heard its good.
When leaving house leave your bankcard and don’t bring more than say £20. That trick particular worked for me when working during the week.
Set reminders on your phone to look at your own gambling notes on the various ways it has affected your life and most of all..
Remember that FBOTs (eclven online) are called FIXED for a reason. Always remind yourself of that.
If you ever feel the urge to gamble....have a read in here http://www.gamcare.org.uk/forums/family-friends
That'll put you off. It's a difficult read to hear of all the destruction in families due to gambling. I use it to stop me from wanting to do it when any urge takes me.
You really should tell your family/friends. I know it's hugely embarrassing and you will be tempted to make a joke of it, and give the impression it's not really a problem, you just thought you would mention it, but you must be brave and tell them exactly how it is and the extent of how much you have already wasted over the years. I am 64 and have been addicted since I was a child! I have periods when I have stopped but now it's so much easier to play the slots online my addiction has got completely out of hand. I have told my partner twice in the 14 years we have been together that I have been gambling but because he is an absolute sweetie and has never gambled in his life he has no idea the extent of my addiction. He thinks I have stopped but of course I haven't. I sit in the same room with him, with my laptop carefully positioned so that he can't see what I am doing. I told him to unexpectedly ask me what I'm doing, or actually take my laptop and see what I am doing, but he only did it for a couple of weeks and because I never got caught out he thinks I have stopped. He has no idea. We both retired recently and I have spent nearly all our retirement pot! If not gambling, I spend all the rest of my time worrying about having to tell him it's nearly all gone. Don't get yourself in the sort of mess I'm in! You must do everything you can to stop now. Don't fool yourself, you too could easily have a similar tale to mine to tell in however many years you have before you get to my age. Good luck.
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