Hi everyone, I just wanted somewhere to vent my frustration at the addiction that consumes me and a lot of other people.
I started slot gambling at around 16 and continued up until around 24 when I almost lost my now wife, son, house, left my job etc.. After trying GA I found this didn't work for me as people continually gave tips out etc for gambling but it did however show that I wasn't as far gone as others and I managed to stay away from this affliction until around 3 months ago (I am now 40) when my wife became unwell and has been unable to go back to work. As i was on my own in the house whilst she rested upstairs I, like a t*t, went to online casinos etc and played the slots. Won a grand, lost over 3 then won 1 back again. Thankfully i'm not worried to much about the money as my earnings covered this but it's that same feeling I had from way back then that's shook me into realising the issue is back.
I have not gambled today and I am hoping by saying this aloud I will not go back to it, the issues this caused last time is definitly not worth any amount of money.
I hope you all continue with the good work you do and stay as sane as can be, good luck!
Hi everyone I had a relapse after 6years don't know how i got back into it but I did and it kills me knowing I'm hurting my family who gave me a second chance.Iam lucky that my sister is putting a roof over my head but it hurts when you realise how sneaky you become and the amount of lies we tell to people and to ourselves and what we do for money to do a bet I personally took money from my wife's account and hid her bank statements how low can i get I'm hoping that she will forgive me but time will tell here's to a bet free life for everyone with a problem thanx for listening
Hi Mikej, as bleak as things look just try and remember that it can only get better as long as you stay away from the demon that is gambling, best of luck with it.
Just a quick note that I contacted Gamestop last night (thanks to this site for making me aware of this) and have now blocked everything for 5 years, this worked immediatly so I cannot be tempted. Day 2 of gambling free and I already feel better and that a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Good Luck everyone.
Day 3 GF, found last night a bit of a struggle but didn't go on any sites or visit any shops so felt a lot better this morning. Pay day today so paid off what I would usually put to the side for gambling against the loan I have due to gambling, which was 40% of what I owe them so that was a good feeling. It's the shame part of it that gets to me, wife is struggling with an illness so I don't want to heap more pressure on her thinking she needs to keep an eye on me, I know it's a rubbish excuse and maybe i'll tell her once she's better, not gambling anymore seems an easier concept than opening up to her as she dealt with this 15 years ago. I'll keep updating on here as at least it gets my thoughts out in the open. Good Luck everyone!
Well done you have not gamble. Go to GAMSTOP right now and ban yourself for 5 years and do it immidiately. You need your wife more than ever, do not do stupid things or you will regret.
Cheers bud, I’ve already done the Gamstop for 5 years so I’m hoping that will help ease the temptation. Good luck!
Day 6 GF, am thankful Gamstop works as I had a moment of weakness yesterday and no site would accept my details, top notch service for people like me. Start of a new week and i'm just going to take it a day at a time, good luck everyone!
Day 8 GF and the urge seems to be getting lighter, keeping myself busy is the best way of avoiding the thoughts, hardest part is going home and if i'm sat on my own but i've attempted to keep a list of things to do when I am alone. Good luck everyone!
GameStop will help with being at home, be prepared to change your life, it has to change in your habits or you will slip up.good luck , keep busy and don’t gamble
Thanks Holy, I think the main issue is me being stuck at home, before my wife wasn't well we used to go out quite a bit so I was never thinking about gambling. Not sure how long this is going to last but my aim is just to keep busy and look after her. Am on to my 10th day GF so starting to feel a lot more positive, weekend was a struggle last time but I will not give in to the urge. Good Luck everyone!
Just don't gamble and create other habits. Read, watch interesting series....you will be fine!
Dear Exhausted40,
It sounds like there is quite a lot going on for you and sorry to hear your wife isn't well. When something so signigificant changes in our life, it can sometimes be a trigger to want to escape occasionally, to 'help' cope with what is going on. Of course it will just make things that much harder, however it is important that you don't dismiss the effects this can have on you. I appreciate that your wife's illness can have emotional, mental and financial implications and it is important to adjust and get help to cope with your worries and anxieties around this.
Especially at times like this it is essential that you don't forget to look after yourself as well, take some me-time and find things to do that you really enjoy doing. I would recommend you look into creative hobbies, maybe some form of team sports, so at least once a week you go out of the house to do something just for fun.
Well done for signing up for Gamstop, that shows real commitment.
Please keep posting and also feel free to call our Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or the Netline here to talk to an adviser one-to-one and to discuss further strategies and perhaps treatment support if you are interested.
Wishing you all the very best,
Eva
Forum Admin
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