Hi all, been reading the forum over the past few months (while still gambling) finally decided to take the plunge and join in. Been gambling for around 15 years, problem gambling for the last 3 years and really have hit rock bottom now. I thought I had hit rock bottom several times over the last year and a half, but it seems I have managed to find a way to blow those 'rock bottoms' out of the water consistently. I am now at a stage where I am at a complete loss. I have no money, no way to get money, mounting debts and my relationship with family is hanging by a thread. This last point is what is concernning me the most. I am now struggling with mental health issues and depression, more than likely brought on by the mad downward spiral caused by my gambling. Hi have attended a few GA meetings in the past but never really got the point, if that makes sense, it seemed to me to just be people complaining about there luck rather than learning any way to defeat the urge to gamble. As such I have been fighting it on my own in my head and more often than not losing. I have recently set up one to one counselling with the RCA trust to seek advice, at the moment I haven't gambled since two days ago and at the moment I'm determined to make that 2 years, but I know I've had that determination before and I've still gone back, but will see how things go this time. Does anyone have any advice re trying to reassure loved ones? At the moment, quite rightly, they don't believe a word of what I say and they are being seriously affected by my actions, I want to assure them that it's going to be ok to give them some comfort, but like I say, I'm finding it hard to outdo the mistrust they quite rightly have in me, any help would be appreciated.
Cheers
Jaff
Hi jaff you should advise them to seek support at a gamanon meeting. You didn't get the point of GA because you didn't want to stop. You need to be 100% committed. Learn to live just for today.
Thanks Merry, have brought it up and going no to give it a try
Hi Jaffa,
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your story with us.
It seems like you’ve been struggling for a long time with your gambling problem, and you’ve incurred huge debt whilst trying to chase your losses. Your family are doubting you because you haven’t been able to pay the debt you owe them, which in turn has impacted negatively with your relationship with family.
However, everything has come to a head now, and hitting rock bottom has pushed you to seek help.
Well done for taking the plunge in doing something about your gambling problem. I’m glad to learn you’re looking forward to attending your counselling sessions set up by Gamcare for you. Just try and keep to your appointments, stay focussed, and take it one day at a time.
I hope you’re getting treatment for your depression and mental health issues too.
You’ve set the ball rolling, and hopefully something good will come out of your effort.
Apart from posting into our forum where you get a lot of hearing and support, you can also contact us via our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers. Our lines are open every day from 8.00am to midnight.
I wish you all the best in your journey to recovery, and please keep posting!
Regards,
Beatrice
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
