Hey guys,
So like all of us here, I've realised it is time to face my addiction head on. I started out small betting at the weekends on the football, over the years it gradually built, to the point where betting sites were the first thing I looked at in the morning and the last thing at night. I got myself into a whole lot of debt, which with help from family i got out of. I thought feeling that low would be trigger I needed to stay well away from getting myself in trouble again. At the time I was working in a car production factory, good money but mundane work and thought my compulsive gambling was to do with my unhappiness at work. But since addressing the problem the first time around, and with help from my girlfriend, quitting my job and going back into full time education to do a business degree, whilst doing some bar work on the side, I have since started again, not in so much debt this time around.....yet, but I am now not earning a full time wage, and still gambling and getting myself into an overdraft again. Previously I had overdrafts, loans, credit cards etc. As supportive as she has been, she is now talking of leaving as she says she can no longer do this, which I can not blame her for at all. Gambling does not make me a nice person, I have mood swings, can become aggressive towards her, cut myself off. I know it's time to confront his problem and just wondered how you guys have found the best way to deal with things. I haven't arranged counselling yet, I know I need to, but I keep putting it off, which I know is just delaying the the resolution. Any help advice is much appreciated and nice to meet you guys. - Alistair
Hi Alistair and welcome , if you're really wanting to stop then that's what you need to do ! As compulsive gamblers we can't win because we can't stop so time to face it and realise that your now in this club of ours ! You need to self exclude from all betting sites you use and download blocking software such as k9 to stop yourself having access to them , I don't know if you go into bookies but if so then also self exclude from them as well . Not having easy access to money or cards helps , all of these things keep our time money location triangle broken , if you remove one then you can't bet , it's that simple , oh yeah ! And a bucketful of willpower always helps because you have to want to stop and there's always a way around any blocks you put in place if you really want to bet ! I wish you well for now and hope you heed some advice before your girlfriend leaves , as it sounds like she's rightly had enough! Alan
Hi back & welcome to recovery Alistair 🙂
If you're procrastinating over booking counselling, why not get yourself to a GA meeting? No need to book, find one near you & just rock right on up.
It may be worth pointing your girlfriend this way or to GamAnon too...Sounds like she can do with a bit of support right now & if she is going to support you through recovery, it may be as well that her eyes are wide open this time as what you tried before wasn't quite enough! We cannot win because we cannot stop! This is progressive & good on you for recognising the downward spiral that you are in!
Lots of work ahead but I'm yet to hear anyone regret recovery so time to start working for you & your loved ones - ODAAT
Hi ajm1128
You've made a big step in facing your addiction and posting today. I want to encourage you to keep posting to support yourself. You mentioned that you are interested in counselling but you do not feel ready at this particular moment. Thats fine if your not sure yet, but I can tell you that counselling is a safe, confidential space where you will not be judged. The support of a counsellor can help you to identify the root causes of your gambling. I have attached some counselling links for when you feel ready.
GamCare Face to Face Counselling www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/face-face-counselling (Available to people living in England, Scotland and Wales.)
GamCare OnLine Counselling www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/face-face-counselling/online-counselling (Available to people living in England, Scotland and Wales.)
All the best
Cade
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