I really feel like my addiction has rocketed over the last couple of years , I just can't get out of the loop. The time it takes me to get over the guilt has shortened and I'm starting to spend almost every spare penny trying to gamble , and even when I have won huge amounts , I end up gambling it all away due to crappy "pending" times which allow me to cancel withdrawals for 1-2days . I don't know , just can't seem to stop. If wasted so much money, time , sleep and mental exhaustion on this illness. I want to turn it all around , and I believe myself every time I try to have a moment of clarity , but the second I get money , I just waste it all away while I am in piles of debt? It truly is an addiction , more than I ever knew before. Time to get a grip on reality and sort my finances out. To all those who are in this circle of destruction , i hope and pray you find a way , before we all go down the path ... Never to return
Hi Sandals,
Thanks for your post; it does sound like you're pretty frustrated with things and struggling at the moment. Gambling is certainly a terrible cycle to try to break free of. Can I ask what proactive steps you've taken to try to accomplish that? Wanting to turn it all around is a good goal, but you also have to act on your behalf to help yourself succeed. Have you downloaded any blocking software, for example? Programs like Gamblock or Betfilter install on your computer and prevent any gambling sites from opening, which is a good way to protect yourself online. There are some other similar programs out there as well, and a lot of gamblers find these types of things to be lifesavers.
What about individual counselling? That could help you sort out better why you gamble like this, and help identify and address any underlying issues around your gambling. It could also help you work on ways to manage your urges more effectively and have a more solid recovery. Counselling is generally one of the things that help gamblers the most if they're trying to quit. We've got partner agencies in many parts of the country that provide counselling to gamblers at no cost, if that might interest you.
I do hope things get better for you and your life gets more peaceful. You do have power to affect change here, and if you take some of these steps you might find things start to get easier for you. If you'd like to chat with us about any of this, feel free to call us on the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or the Netline from 8am to midnight any day of the week and we'd be happy to help you.
Hang in there, and I hope this helps.
Travis
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