I have been a compulsive gambler using online casinos on and off for 4 years. The result is a massive debt and a divorce with a young child. Its heartbreaking. I am now in a new relationship and things are amicable with my ex wife. However the gambling has slipped again and i cant let it happen. Has anyone been through the same problems and fought and stopped it completely. I now have a family member checking my bank statements weekly for reassurance. It is making me low and like a different person. I have been to Gamcare counceling 2 years ago but didnt really get the solution to the problem. I tried Gamblers anonymous but i found it intimidating for some reason. If i could get any advise through the forum it would be most appreciated. I have put blocks on phones/computers etc now.
Many Thanks
Spencer
Hello Spencer,
Well done on joining the forum.
It is good that you've put practical measures in place to reduce the risk of gambling, like allowing a family member to supervise your finances and putting blocks on your phone and computer. If you haven't already, you could also self-exclude from all of your gambling accounts.
You've mentioned debt; some of our forum users have posted positive feedback about using free professional debt advice from services like the National Debtline 0808 808 4000, StepChange 0800 138 1111 or PayPlan 0800 280 2816.
You've also said that you're feeling low and like a different person. If you think you may be feeling depressed, please talk with your GP about that.
Many of our forum users find that sharing peer support here on the forum can help to improve their morale and motivation. Perhaps you could join one of the challenge threads or start a recovery diary, to help you to get into a routine of regularly conversing with others in recovery, to see if that helps to provide encouragement and a rewarding camaraderie.
If you decide that you'd like to try counselling again, you can find out more about local free options currently available, by talking with an adviser on our freephone 0808 8020 133 or Netline.
Take care,
Forum Admin.
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