Hi there,
I dont know what to consider myself, I go through phases of gambling and phases where I wont for weeks. I have never racked up any debt or really lost more than I can afford. I have had a few heavy losses (relative as I'm a student) but my fears are how depressed it makes me. Recently when I go into a casino or bookies I dont leave until I have lost everything I've walked in with. As mentioned it's never put me in much financial diffuculty per say I just view it as I have to earn that money back by living very cheaply for the next few days.
I have a lot of urges to gamble and have banned myself from all online activities as I know I can't control myself. I only really visit the casino when I'm quite drunk and end up feeling absolutely awful the next day (win or lose, especially lose). Recently if I have gambled and lost in the bookies (2 out of last 3 days, after not visiting one for nearly 2 months) it has seriously affected my mood. I am worried I'm falling down a bad line as I have a father who's a regular gambler, again never put the family in any difficulty but I have a brother who has lost thousands, everything he's ever earnt.
I want to be able to control my urges and quite frankly stop for good. Failing that, going back to when I enjoyed gambling more, small stakes, being able to walk away from a roulette machine even if I had lost (but not lost everything in my pocket), and viewing it as entertaniment rather than an urge.
thanks
Hi first time here and so somewhat wary of what to do, say or share! Other than to say I wish I'd done this a lot earlier. Online Hero to zero and no excuses!
Hi bhenchod
Welcome. It makes me think the fact you've come here you consider you might have a problem. You don't seem to be in any particular financial trouble currently due to gambling. If I could turn back the clock and be in that position I would. I read some problem gambling articles way back when i was a few hundred down and thought that will never be me. My situation is still not as bad as some but is worse than it should be. My advice to you would be to put everything in place to stop gambling especially after drinking. Does your bank offer a facility to stop gambling payments on your card? Self exclude at the venues you go to? My problem is online but others will be more knowledgeable about strategies for you.
If you have compulsive tendencies with it, I don't feel now considering my situation that you can ever get back to being able to just do a bit for entertainment value and getting any enjoyment out of it. You will always be testing your willpower and taking an unneccesary risk. There are more enjoyable things to do. Small stakes lead to bigger ones. That small loss becomes huge.
You are in a good position currently, take control now of the whole situation, not just taming the urges to an 'acceptable level' before the consequences become significant.
Good luck and keep us updated x
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