I posted about a long winded introduction to myself and troubles a few weeks ago, I just started to rambling on and in the end I don't think it made much sense, I have since deleted it and decided to restart with a simplified version and a new user account as I haven't been able to log in for over a week now and have been keen to comment on some peoples posts.
Just a bit of background on me, I am 36, living in London, with a decent paid job and a wonderful wife. My gambling addiction started about 2 years ago, introduced by a friend to football accumlators and spiralled from there. I had never gambled before, but always knew I had mental health problems, and with always having an unhealthy interest in football and the chance to earn money (I thought!) from this I got addicted. From £5 a week bets at the start to 1k bets, with no care of the consequences, I spiralled into the most serious problem I have ever had to deal with in my life. I have lost a lot of money in the past 2 years, nearly lost my wife (then fiance) and allowed my mental health to deteriorate to the point of suicidal thoughts.
I have stopped 2 times, once when I was forced to save for a flat and again when my wife seen my mood swings and had an intervention and basically said quit the gambling or she would leave me. Both times I felt great, had money in the bank and always thought why I had started gambling in the first place. Unfortunately I had a relapse (I hope final relapse) about a month ago, squandering money my parents gave me for my wedding and I broke down again. My wife was very supportive and got me some help, finding out about Gamban software, signing me up to GamStop self excluding for 5 years and taking over control of my finances and seeing how much an effort I am making this time to finally nail this horrible addiction in the head.
I have been a month now without having a bet and feel strong, but I am having major urges when watching football and feeling frustrated in the last week or so, I hope I can over time these and they will abide and I can move on with life, I have my fingers crossed.
Just a quick note also on something that have helped me over the past month, a podcast called The After Gambling Podcast. There is an episode on there, episode 27 with a guy called Joe which I totally related to and helped me enormously recognise how much I am not just hurting myself but other people around me. It helped me realise that money can be replaced over time but friendships and time can never be, and they are the most important thing. It's been helpful seeking out people with this addiction and I hope to support and help people (and vice versa) on here. Stay strong everyone.
Hi slide_lewy,
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
It seems like you’ve been struggling for a while with your gambling problem, and been trying hard to overcome it with the support that you’re having from your wife and parents. However, that hasn’t been enough so you’re now seeking help and support from our forum to overcome your problematic gambling. I think that is a step in the right direction, though.
To get more help and support from Gamcare, I’ll encourage you to try and contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers for further help and support. Our lines are open everyday from 8.00am to midnight.
An adviser can refer you for counselling if that would help with your recovery. Also, all our services are free and confidential.
Meanwhile, keep reading the stories from our forum for more strategies on stopping gambling, and please keep posting too!
Kind regards,
Beatrice
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
