Hi, this is long overdue for me, but I feel glad to have finally done it.
i first called GamCare on Thursday evening, but only because I ran out of money to gamble with!! They were extremely compassionate and helpful on the phone, and have given me belief that there is plenty of help out there, providing I am willing to help myself!
I had good control of my gambling until about 2 years ago, shortly after the birth of my daughter, I would only bet when there were football games on, this led me onto horse racing and ultimately online and land based casinos, I love the quick win!!!
My addiction in comparison to others is minimal, but an addiction all the same, I know I can do it as I have given up drug misuse in the last year, I just think that the rewards for gambling can be so great that it makes it so much harder to stop!!
i had recently gone 39 days gamble free, I went to the casino and won quite handsomely, this was all well and good until the following week I went back, lost everything that I’d previously won and then proceeded to spend the rest of the week obtaining payday loans in an effort to recoup my losses! Which as you all know, never happens!!
My first target now is to surpass 39 days gamble free, I am still gambling at the moment, but will exclude from everything on the evening of 23rd December, this will be my fresh start and I hope that having it so near to Christmas will make it memorable for me and also allow me to never forget what I once was!
i apologise in advance to those who don’t like what I write, I may have to write every day just to take the stress off of my own mind, but believe me, as much as I want help from others, I am also here to help you.
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wishing you all the best of luck in your quest for a better life!
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Write as often as you need.. We are all o.nThe same journeyÂ
Boo ?
Hi Mark. Im new to this forum too. My last bet was today where i lost a 4 figure sum although the money is irrelevant its my mental state i need to sort out. Ive been gambling for 25 years and today i hope is the final straw. Hopefully this forum is a new lease of life for me. Ive been G.a meeting and stopped for a year but fell off the wagon. I will be going back next week. Stay strong .
Hi Mark and Welcome.
You are making a very positive step. maybe you dont realise just how important yet but you must continue with openness and honesty
There is help for you and there is no shame in accepting that help. Ideally you should tell your loved ones because any secrets are no good for you.
I will give you plenty of food for thought. Its an addiction that gets in so you dont realise how addicted you are. Any past breaks are not the true test of control.
You talk about quick wins and rewards as if there is some casual reliability to them. Thats not whats on offer to you and you really know that. On balance they have not set it up to fund your lifestyle...Its set up to fund theirs and that's what you have been doing
I used to think my addiction was minimal compared to others...I was wrong...I was deluded and I was highly addicted. I even stopped going to GA because I thought I was a lightweight la di da gambler and those people needed the real help.... not me.
My addiction got worse and worse. Thousands a year from what I earn is a fortune that did ruin me. I had to be bailed out time after time and became a fraudulent liar....essentially thieving money from my parents by deceiving them of the truth.
Please dont build up to a day....do it...tell your family and self exclude. The feeling of pride will surge through you because for once its the right thing to do.Â
The alternative is sheepishly applying for payday loans and getting more an more depressed with life in a vicious spiral down to hell
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
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