So today's the day I've decide to combat my gambling demons

Hi Emmakay and welcome to the forum. I'm sure our members will have lots of tips and support. I have moved your post to the New Member Intros section as more people are likely to see your post and respond if it's in that section.

You sound very isolated. It must be difficult if you feel you can't speak to family and friends. Why not give us a call on the HelpLine 0808 8020 133? It can help to talk to someone who understands gambling and is outside your situation.

Best wishes

Forum Admin

Hi Emmakay,

I'm only 6 days in but I feel good. I'd suggest doing something productive if you ever feel the urge to gamble. For example I've started to draw, or I will play guitar. Maybe going for a walk or get a gym membership. Do something to replace the gambling. Most of the time we gamble when we are bored. It does help to be on here. Your not alone.

My only advice would be to tell someone...even if it is only one person.

From experience the situation will only get worse before it gets better of you’re trying to do all of this yourself and have no accountability.

Also keep reading and posting

Hi Emmakay.

Welcome to the forum.

I have decised to step up my advice and be more direct this year. Your family and friends need to know because you must realise what you are dealing with here. A gambling addiction is a deadly form of mind control. Its no silly blip and its not just you being silly with money.

Its a devasting addiction which gets into us and wont let go. It comes out of the blue and it needs the strongest blocks while the mind heals.

You must have no secrets on this and you family and friends can help monitor you. Secrets are deadly because they play into just having one more go because nobody knows.

Are you ready to join us gamble free? It will take blocks and living on an allowance. Please learn about how this addiction works. Some people are never free from its grip.

You can make this history if you are willing to experience a born again moment. You dont need it in your life and its got new lows in store if you continue

There is no room for complacency and half measures. When you realise what NEEDS to be done you will fight the addiction on its own terms.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Hi all, I'm cellochick, I'm too ashamed to give you my real name. Im brand New. I've had a gambling problem for about 4 years. Im near enough 30k in debt and I've recently entered into a dmp with stepchange which is going to take me near enough 4 years to clear and it leaves me with hardly anything left after it goes out. But today I have managed to spend what little I had??? Slots and bingo are my demons. I need help! Today I closed my accounts down, spoke to gamcare and have arranged to get a call back about counselling. Why do I do this when it causes me so much heartache and pain? Any advice would be so appreciated.

Hi Emmakay, I think joyduvider hit the nail on the head.

I am also new to the site and hid my gambling from everybody, because I was ashemed of myself and the debt.

My wife now knows everything and is being the rock I need to beat this demon, talking it through with somebody you trust can really help I think. That said I have found the forums an excellent motivator for me to stay clean.

If your gambling online then self exclusion from the sites is a must for me and blockers for pcs and phones / tablets can also help

Stay positive and put blocks in place but talk to people, family, friends or Gamcare, they will want the same goal for you as we all want. Good luck