Yesterday I phoned gamcare

Hi sillylass,

Well done for making that choice. Im sure you realise what needs to be done next - self exclusion, blocking software etc. You say youve read a lot of posts on here so you know what needs to be done.

Why not join the 2015 challenge?

Mark

Well done on making the phone call! I only accepted this week I have an issue (online sports) and working up to calling gamcare. Glad your bank was supportive, keep up facing up to it and you will overcome it x

Hi sillylass

The first step is always the hardest, and you've done that, so welcome.

Think of this as your 'get out of gaol free' card. Not too many of us are treated so kindly by banks, finance companies etc.

If you have a partner, he should be informed that you have a problem with gambling, and of any debts that you may have. The same goes for your family. Support is a real key to helping you recover from the addiction.

Have you given any thought to counselling or GA?

Have you considered turning over your finances to someone for a period of time and limiting your access to money?

Best wishes

Hi guys

Thank u 4 all ur advise! I do realise how extremely lucky I've been with the bank, I'm certainly not going 2 push my luck there as I can't EVER have a transaction connected with gambling again!! Even the lotto! i have self excluded myself from all the accounts I have indefinitely! Actually a great feeling! I don't think I have any left I can join so hoping I've exhausted that angle!

I unfortunately can't tell my family as I know my partner, parents & sisters will disown me 🙁 they r all very money orientated & I know how they feel about gambling so at the moment I will b using forums, chat & phone lines if I need support.

I think I will join the challenge as I'm now 2 days free & delighted! I do like a challenge so maybe this will help me 🙂

thanks again 2 u all & I offer the same support bk!

Xx

Hi sillylass

Trying to do this on your own is going to be hard. If you can't get to GA, this forum is one of the next best support avenues for you. Keep in touch.

The reason I mentioned telling family/partner about your problem is twofold. Firstly, as mentioned, the support you can get from family if they are willing, can be vital. Secondly, I think that if they are going to find out about your gambling problem it is better if they find out from you.

Day 2 is good, day 3 will be even better, and so on.

Best wishes

Thanks Wal,

i wish I could tell my family but honestly it would just add 2 my woe as I'd b dumped, kicked out & sacked!! At the moment I couldn't handle that 🙁 I know I'm someone who has 2 keep busy & so I'm going 2 throw myself into projects I've neglected as the devil makes work 4 idol hands! I've been hear before I know I could relapse but I have reached the point where I Do want a future, I want 2 have children & I want more 4 myself than I have in a while! I'm not naieve 2 think im above it now but I'm using methods like each day writing down something I could buy/do with the £200+ I would've stuck on the slots! Yesterday I could've bought a weekend away & 2day I would buy some new clothes! Hehe!

I really really appreciate ur help tho! If u don't mind me asking what did u gamble on & how long? Do u still get urges?

Xx

Hi sillylass

I'm in Australia, my vice was mainly the pokies ( I think they are called fruit machines in the UK ). I've always been a bit of a punter, but I used to only have a punt on the horses on the weekends, a set limit and no more.

From about 1998 on I started to gamble much more on the pokies. They are very addictive. It wasn't uncommon for me to spend 12 hours a day at a venue. My longest stint was 24 hours at a casino. The last 2 to 3 years of my gambling were the most depressing of my life. I had 7 credit cards, all maxed out, I had refinanced my house 4 times, and nil cash in the bank. Then I committed the ultimate sin, I stole from my sister to finance my gambling. I absolutely hated myself. I attempted suicide as I couldn't see any way out of the mess I was in. That was January, 2008.

I am an analytical sort of bloke, so I worked out roughly how much I had thrown into the pokies. Roughly speaking, I had gambled away 10 times my yearly wage. That money is gone, never to be recovered.

I am now 57 years young, and if I am lucky enough to be still working at the age of 72 or so, my debts will be repayed.

GA has been my saving grace. I went to my first meeting january 2008. I had a big bust about 3 years ago which lasted for approx 6 months, but I have been clean ever since.

That's the condensed version of my so-called love affair with gambling. I openly admit that I loved it, whilst I knew at the same time that it was destroying my life. That it was an addiction does.

Take care

Hey Wal

thanks for sharing ur story with me. You have gone through quite the time of it! I'm glad u have found a way 2 move on from it 🙂 i haven't actually been on here the past few days as I have been busy and always around ppl. I have been completely gamble free tho & have even began 2 develop feelings of disgust 4 it! I got my 1st pay I haven't gambled in ages 2 & it's still there 🙂 all baby steps but I'm starting 2 enjoy life again. Hope ur well 🙂

xx

Hi sillylass

One of the things you have to be aware of, especially in the early days is complacency. Some gamblers start to think that because they have survived for X days without a bet that it means they have some control. The truth is the exact opposite. Don't ever think that you could have just one bet and then be able to walk away. You might me able to on that day, but you would have rekindled that urge, and you would undoubtably be gambling again in the near future.

Take care

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