Trying to stop before it gets any worse.

Hi,

Recently I have started to get really into gambling and playing online slots. I have always enjoyed slots and have played them in the past for fun and have had one time where it got a little out of control and I started chasing loses. 
This time is different though and has continued over weeks whereas last time I forgot about gambling for months which meant it wasn’t a massive issue at the time.

My gambling is probably no where near as bad as others but I am noticing signs of it becoming an addiction and I would like to stop it before it causes any further harm as the fun has now gone out of playing slots.

It now starts with fun and I’m playing to get that buzz of getting a big win or the chance of winning a jackpot, which I have done, but it’s short lived. When I start losing I just forget the meaning of money and just keep betting and when I run out of money I just deposit more and keep betting to try and get that buzz again and be able to keep on playing.

It’s starting to take up so much of my time and it’s stopping me from working as I’m constantly spinning and I went to the gym and was spinning in the car before I got out and straight after I was spinning again in the car as I was living for that buzz. 

I always say to myself when I’m up to withdraw at a certain amount of money but I get to that and I can’t stop so I end up carrying on playing as I don’t want to stop. Or I’ll get a big win and I’ll withdraw but leave a bit of money in my account still so I can continue playing. 

I am also doing this secretly behind my partners back and I can see it causing issues if it continues.

I have now removed all betting apps as last time I bet I lost everything. I am worried the urge will come back and I can easily find a website or download apps again. So I’m just trying to workout how I can fill that urge to play and get that “buzz” from winning so I can distract my brain from wanting to gamble.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts and if these early signs have been seen by others and what you would do to prevent it getting worse. 

Cheers.