Hi all,
I have had a problem since I was around 15-16 (I am now 22) when I discovered fruit machines I would waste all my paper round/pocket money down the local arcade and from there it has only ever gotten worse. when I turned 18 I turned to casinos and would regularly loose more than half my monthly income in a few hours (not that it was much) recently I have found myself getting sucked in deeper and deeper, I am on 12k (on an apprenticeship) a year which amounts to around £900 a month its not a lot but once qualified I will have a great career and great salary. the past couple of months I have found myself gambling more and more I manage to give my partner half the bills and rent so have around £600 "spare" income which is meant for fuel, lunch and for me to spoil my daughter and treat my girlfriend this never happens my problem is I spend little but often usual around £30 a day when I am in work I find myself with spare time I will be straight on a casino or betting site (I am now self excluded from almost all off them) and loose £30 easy. god forbid if I go into a bookies I can loose anywhere from 200-500 in an hour or two and rarely walk away up or even, I have tried to stop many times but feel that this really needs to be stopped before I ruin my relationship and future career I need to stop now once and for all!
Thank you for reading
I'm new too and just posted. It sounds like my problem is similar to yours I'm going to keep a diary on here of each day. Would up you do the same?
We can help each other
Rach
Hi Swanseajac - First of all, well done for admitting you have a problem and for joining the site. You mention self-exclusion - I would advise you to self-exclude from all the sites you use; also install a blocking program such as K9 (it's free) so that you cannot access any new sites.
I don't know if your girlfriend knows about your gambling. If you can tell her, could you hand over more of your income to her so that she could put it away without your having access to it?
As Rach has suggested, try to keep a Diary on the 'Recovery diaries' page, and also come and join us in the '2014 Challenge' found on the 'Overcoming problems gambling' page - I would say that is one of the most valuable parts of this site - loads of support, advice and encouragement.
Remember one day at a time - you can do it, and you will be able to turn your life around for the benefit of yourself and your loved ones.
Best wishes,
Joanna
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