Hi
My 2nd post on here. I am really struggling at the moment, I feel very tearful most of the time and have little or no inclination to do anything. I went to see my doctor yesterday and admitted to him that I have been gambling, am hugely in debt and it's causing me so much anxiety. That was the first person I have ever told about my gambling. I cried so much telling him (I'm sure doctors see tearful patients all the time, but I was still embarrassed!) Work stress has made things worse, so the doctor has signed me off work for a few days and has suggested counselling, which I am going to take up.
My question to you all is ... when you told family members, how did they react? Are you glad you told them? I am trying to pluck up courage to tell my Dad and brother but I'm really not sure I can as they will be so shocked and ashamed of me ..... how do I find the words???
Hi Bow Wow
I doubt very much if they will be ashamed of you. They will be shocked, angry, upset, disbelieving etc. Most family members are very supportive of the gambler. They won't understand why you did it. Lay out the facts as they are, any debt you are in due to gambling, and what you are doing to try and control your addiction.
If your brother or father had an addiction / problem, wouldn't you like to know, so that you could help them?
This is an addiction, and like all addictions, it can get the better of anyone. It doesn't discriminate on race, religion or socio-economic background. I believe that we are 'wired' a little differently. We cannot stop at just one bet as others do.
We can ask for help however. GA and counselling can help you to get back on the right track. Treat the addiction with respect, because it will destroy any future you may have if you let it.
My family found out about my addiction the hard way. I left a suicide not on the kitchen table informing them of my addiction and saying my farewells. ( I don't recommend this). I hurt my family incredibly.
Take Care
............
Thanks wal1957 and Joydivider, I really appreciate your comments and advice.
I'm seeing my family on Sunday and I'm going to pluck up the courage to tell them about my gambling and the worry and debt that it has caused. I really hope they will be supportive but even if they are not, it will be a big weight off my chest telling them.
BowWow x
I no how your feeling and have been there many times myself , I have been trying to sort this addiction for 15 years and always felt that I was week and should be able to fix this myself but after loosing a marriage and job I new I needed help I talked to gamcare and got counselling sessions and I'm on day 82 of gambling free and I feel my life is now back on track and that things are going to come good , please do talk to them and get some counselling i wish I had done it years ago
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