I have gambled for the last 8 years and every year it's got progressively worse. I managed to spend over 30k in the last 2 years alone and put me and my family in 10k debt. Luckily I have a decent paid job and will be able to pay this off with in the next year or so but I have wrecked my credit rating. I feel that gambling turned me into a lifeless person who's not interested in anything other than sticking on a bet. I've only stopped for less than a week but already I feel better. Have more energy and just generally happier. My parents and wife already know and they have been supportive but I know I have to stop for them. I have a long way to go and a lot of trust to gain back but I want to do this to have a better standard of living rather than just on a laptop at 3 in the morning betting on Brazilian football.
I have already handed all finances over to the wife and blocked myself from all betting sites. I have so far found this site useful and people's stories very helpful. If there's any other tips people can think of then that would be appreciated.
I feel positive about this and can't wait to get this monkey well and truly off my back and wave bye bye to this stupid gambling problem.
Hi,
This forum alone won't fix you. I always recommend GA meetings to all new comers. That's the route I was guided down two months ago and haven't looked back.
Not having any "secret" credit cards is also a way forward to get some trust back from my wife. All joint accounts are now with paper statements. More importantly is just being honest with her and not doing the things that "secret" gamblers are well known for.
All the best
Hey Shep.
Yeah thanks for the advice. The wife has all accounts and cards so no where to hide. I always signed up for counseling with break even so hopefully all goes well 🙂
And you're right. No more lies. Honesty is the best policy.
Hi Steven welcome to the forum. You have made a great start to your recovery with the blocks and the support from your partner. Have you thought about setting up a diary in the Recovery Section of the forum to track your progress. Can be good to read back on when you are having bad days and also to help others with your own tips and thoughts. There are a number of chat rooms that run throughout the week and personally I find them to be useful. They have other CG's in there that can relate to where you are coming from, share advice and support and pick up useful tips.
Good luck with your recovery
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