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I agree, i am a problem gambler that works with people on a daily basis. However, i am nervous around people as i have isolated myself in recent years.
In my experience, the deeper i got into gambling the more i distanced myself from people. I tend to isolate myself still, purely down to lots of personal issues. On the plus side, i have been doing really well these past 2 months, only betting 20 pounds that i didn't get any enjoyment from.
Anyone that wants to stop, must use all resources to stop. Put as many barriers in place to help you stop, for good.
Good luck peeps.
I understand all those feelings. I'm recovering and to date I'm doing ok. One of my goals, which seemed to surprise my counsellor (never want to go but every visit I'm glad I went!) is to help other people with the same issues. I independently of the gambling suffer from anxiety and depression the gambling increased my symptoms however I feel that the anxiety/depression as a mental health issue and gambling addiction also a mental health issue are seen as "nonono" subjects that cannot be discussed - I try to buck the trend and without forcing it on others, 99% of people that know me know about my anxiety etc not the gambling but I'm getting there! it's more that my hubs would be unhappy about me sharing the gambling side. People that know me think of me as these hugely outgoing bubbly person and I must have said a hundred times "I'm nit always like this, you don't really know me". My "out there" aim (just for me) is to pin a gamcare leaflet to the community board in my local pub - anon - and see what happens. Small steps soon add up to a big journey xxxx
Really interesting debate Ali. I have often wondered when in public, am I normal? I always think no! I can't be because I am a gambler, but I saw someone in the shop the other day who I thought I knew, but I didn't, it was someone I had seen at the casino, a regular. I haven't been there for so long I forgot where I knew them from. There are probably loads of people in my community who are problem gamblers who would benefit from a more honest open approach to their addiction. There needs to be more input and support from those who benefit, which would perhaps help reduce some of the shame associated with those who develop addictions.
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