Coming to the realisation that i am addicted was not easy.
So far ive had my parents find out how much ive been gambling and lying and continuing to do it isnt helping.
Ive been addicted for around 2 and a half years and am yet to stop even on payday i want to gamble.
Joined here to help try and kick the addiction
Hello Mark,
The cycle is always the same for all of us. It is when you admit you are an addict, only then will you begin to accept help. I had denied this fact for years and now after losing my life savings, lying to friends and family and accumulating a 3k debt just last month have I realised I have a serious problem.
I tried to jump of a building on Friday because my girlfriend would not give me the last 6k i had with her. After being restrained and taken to A&E she was advised to give me the money. The next day after this incident (which was last saturday) i went and gambled away my last 6k of savings away. It was only then I realised I am a serious addict and need help.
I have signed up for counselling and will be attending GA meetings in my area to help control this illness.
2 days without gambling probably because I have no money left and I am in debt but I will get help, it is hard but we can all do this.
Best of wishes on your journey mate.
Hi mark1324,
Thanks for your post, and well done for making the effort to post on our forum. Hopefully, you’ll get the help and support that you need from here to enable you to overcome your gambling problem.
Since you didn’t give much away, (whether you gamble online or, at the bookies, or casinos etc.), I am unable to give a specific advice on strategies to apply to enable you to overcome your gambling problem.
I think it would be advisable and helpful to you to try and contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak on 1 to 1 basis with one of our advisers, and find out what help options are available to you, so you can move forward with your recovery. An adviser can refer you to 12 sessions of free counselling if you feel that can help you to overcome your problematic gambling.
Our lines are open everyday between the hours of 8.00am to midnight.
Additionally, we can check for Gamblers anonymous (Group Meeting) meeting places for you in case there’s one in your area to help you to come to terms with your situation, and to know you’re not alone, and that it’s worthwhile to do something about your gambling problem sooner than later.
You’ve now taken the initial step to your recovery, and Gamcare is ready to help and support you every step of the way in your journey.
I suggest that you continue to stay in touch, and please keep posting!
Best wishes,
Beatrice
Hi Mark I'm wife of cg I go to gamanon meetings which run alongside GA. There are many parents in my meeting learning how to live with a cg and say 'no'. Your parents will need help and support too. Get help for you by ringing the gamcare number or get to a meeting. Good luck!
Mark take it day by day and it does get easier. I used to gamble everyday even if it was virtual racing late at night cos there was nothing else. Be open as much as you can to your parents and tell other people close to you in your own time mate. The satisfaction paying off debt is a better feeling than any amount of money you've won cos all you'll do after that win is go and lose more. Keep your head up mate
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