Evening all,
It's been a while since I've been active on the forum but I felt I needed to return to share my experience which I hope will help one or two people.
I want to thank GamCare for their fast response to my request to arrange some counselling sessions.
I've tried to stop gambling several times, a couple successful 6 month stints, but I've always returned thinking I'll be fine with the small fun accumulators which over time turn in to several £50-100 deposits.
At the start of the year I went to my GP about my addiction & he referred me to a company. I had one telephone assessment and they didn't want to know. They didn't offer me any help even though I was open about everything, habits, debts & history. Counselling wasn't for me apparently!
I let that be that & continued on a downward curve until last week I hit a low point. I really needed to get things sorted so I contacted GamCare via the online chat and asked if they could arrange some counselling sessions.
A few questions about me & handing over some personal details to GamCare & I was assured I get a call within 7 days.
No more than 48 hours later & I had my phone call. A few more questions by a separate company & I was informed that there was a counsellor in my home town who they will pass my details on to & they will be in touch.
Again, no more than 48 hours later the counsellor phones me. Explains the situation (12 sessions, one to one, one hour & it doesn't cost me a penny). She books me in for my first session.
At this point, I'm feeling positive & excited to see how this will help.
So I attended my first session & it was brilliant. It's amazing to have someone to talk to, who will listen & not judge you. It took so much weight off my shoulder to be 100% honest & not have to feel bad for being a gambling addict. The hour flew by, the first half was filling out paperwork & answering questionnaires & the 2nd half was spent talking more in depth about me & my gambling.
I've booked in the next 3 sessions & I'm feeling the best I ever have about beating my addiction.
The point I want to try & get across is if you think you can do it alone, you'll more than likely fail. This service is free & took hardly any effort to sort out. If you have never had a counselling session, I urge anyone who is is trying to beat this addiction to contact GamCare to arrange them now!
Having a person who isn't a friend, partner or family member to talk to really helps you be honest. When you hear yourself telling this person about your habits, bets & debts is a real eye opener.
Sorry for the long post, I could go on for ages as I can't stress enough of how just one session has helped me.
Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm more than happy to answer them the best I can!
Cloud.
Dear Cloud
Many thanks for sharing your experience of our counselling services with us, we're really pleased to hear things went well for you and that you found the service to be helpful and efficient.
GamCare offers free face to face and online counselling services. Anyone wanting to find out more please contact our helpline on 0808 802 0133 or talk to us on www.gamcare.org.uk/netline
Best wishes
Rebecca
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.
