Where do I start..?
I have been gambling since April, mainly online slots as they are so easy to access and this has been my downfall. One click of a button and you have deposited hundreds of pounds as they encase you in the thrill of the win. In they early days I did have a significant win and yes you have guessed...it went back in the slots. I guess I couldn't believe it and therefore tried to win that back and have done so ever since. I'm so ashamed of my behaviour, I can't believe I have lowered to this, this is not me!
I'm becoming so secretive and making up lies to cover my tracks. My mum does know and is now worrying about my every move. I feel so guilty and ashamed! I am going to make the move to getting this sorted.
I need some suggestions on how you guys have overcome your addictions.
Thank you for listening.
Molly
Hi Molly,
Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. It sounds like gambling has made your life pretty stressful, and turning you into someone you don't want to be. Reaching out on here is a great first step, and I hope you're finding the forum a supportive place. You can see that you're certainly not alone with this problem!
You don't say how you're gambling online, but there are a couple things you might try. If you're using a laptop or other computer, downloading blocking software like Gamblock ( http://www.gamblock.com/index.html ) or Betfilter ( http://www.betfilter.com/ ) would probably be a good move to make. Those prevent any gambling sites from opening on that device, and a lot of gamblers find them to be lifesavers. If you're gambling on your phone, those programs will also work on some android devices. Otherwise, some people find it helpful to use parental blocking software on their phones that will usually block those types of sites, or if worst comes to worst, some gamblers find that not having a phone with internet access is actually a lot safer for them.
Individual counselling is also something you might consider. That could help you sort out better why your gambling has gotten so out of control, and help you with ways to manage your urges more effectively. We have partner agencies in many parts of the country that provide one to one counselling at no cost, and we'd be happy to speak to you more about that if you wanted to give us a call on the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or the Netline. We're open from 8am to midnight every day.
As long as you have the desire to quit gambling you can succeed; just don't give up! You don't have to feel so guilty and ashamed, and the farther away from gambling you get, the less stressful your life will be and the better you'll feel about yourself.
Hang in there, and I hope this helps.
Travis
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