Hi everyone
I have visited this forum a few times over the years, usually after a big gambling loss, however until now have not had the courage and determination to actually sign up and post. I think I was scared to post on here as that would mean owning up to the fact that I have a serious problem with gambling.
Like many, my first experience with gambling was a positive one, wining £200 on the World Cup when I was 16. The next ten years I went on to gamble and lose stupid amounts on sports betting, online poker, blackjack and FOBT. I have probably been addicted to every type of gambling at some point in my life!!
More recently I discovered spreadbetting. This is when I went from losing hundreds to losing thousands. Over the last few years I have lost almost everything betting on the FTSE, Dow Jones and FX markets. I conned myself into believing I was 'investing' but now realise this was nothing more than gambling! Last year I lost £10,000 and swore never to spread bet again. Stupidly I thought that the odd £10 punt on the football or golf would still be harmless and acceptable. As a result I have again relapsed back to my old ways and have just lost all my life savings again!!! £20k blown in two months!
I cried my eyes out last Friday from emotional exhaustion. It takes so much out of you! I have wasted so much money and time gambling. I have neglected my girlfriend and family. Luckily I am not yet in debt, have a good job and I know if I stop now I can earn that money back in time. I am currently 7 days gamble free and have no desire to try and win that money back. I here accepted it's gone. I am closing / excluding all my accounts. I will have to come clean to my girlfriend too but am not ready just yet.
This is the beginning of a new 100% gamble free life. Thank you everyone for listening. This is the first time I have told anyone about this addiction and it feels good to be able to share it.
I have so much respect for everyone on here. Together we can overcome this!
Just wanted to say well done!! I am also new to this but in a strange way writing it down and putting it out there has calmed me slightly. Reading people's stories has blown me away and made me face up to the fact I have a problem and there is help and hope for us all, good luck on your journey of recovery x
hi mate
that's some little story you have there and I'm sure there is more to tell,
have you thought about attending a GA meeting? by the sounds of it you haven't hit rock bottom and have a good support network around you but the only way they can help is by telling them, it's daunting but the best way to go I can guarantee that,
gambling will find away back into your life if you let it so keep a strong mind mate
matt x
Thank you both for the kind messages. Currently 10 days GF and I'm feeling positive about things! 25, I agree about the support network point i just need to work up to telling my other half as it's a daunting prospect! Sharing on here has definitely helped though. It's amazing how much I can relate to other people's stories...that's what makes this forum so powerful.
Hi mate, I think you have got to a point like me where enough is enough and you want your life back without having the worry or stress that gambling brings. Massive congrats mate on the steps you've taken so far but would again reiterate what's been said regarding a support network around you to be there for you & be able to help you stop any future urges.
It's such a cruel addiction gambling and can ruin people's lives but as you say even though you have lost your savings your in a better position than most!! You haven't got yourself into debt, you have a good job which will enable you over time to get your savings in order again & you seem to have a great gf. All these things will help you overcome this mate but you have to do it for yourself first and trust me it can come back at anytime! So the sooner you confide in your gf or someone close to you the better it will be. There is also counciling or netline on here for someone to chat too.
Hope it goes well for you mate and comeback on here and update for support.
Take care
Paul
that's a great achievement mate keep it going I remember thinking I couldn't do just one day off a bet but now if I get that thought I just break it down to hours then the urges pass,
this site is great it always hit home reading the stories because we are all the same,
the best thing you will do is get it off your chest to someone as scared and embarrassed you will be people are understanding, they also tend to have noticed more than you think!
great hearing back keep in touch with members
matt
Hello Shortseller85
Welcome to the forum congratulations on 10 days gambling free. I can see from you posts you are thinking about speaking with your ‘other half’ about what has happened. We do have a helpline open 8am –midnight if you would like to talk things through with an adviser. The helpline contact number is 0808 8020 133 and you can also contact advisers on the net- line.
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline#.VBhpbfldXww
There is other support we can give you information about as one forum member here mentioned there is counselling available. counselling is free for up to 12 sessions and services are across the UK.
Please also find further information here that may be helpful to you. http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/yourself
Keep posting we are here to support you
Take care
Forum admin
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