Why why why is it SO difficult to stop this evil addiction? I’ve tried many times before yet always seem to give in. Even signed up to gamstop doesn’t stop me, I try find ways around. I keep telling myself this is the worst part of my situation but because I just can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel in terms of paying back debts I just feel at a complete loss. I have no enjoyment in the simplest of things anymore I feel like gambling and it’s financial impact has sucked the life out of me and I’m just a zombie sleepwalking through life. It’s a vicious cycle. Always having that “what if” mentality like I could redeem myself by winning a huge amount of money, because it happens..
the answers are obvious but they’re so hard to actually *** and control 🙁
Can you talk to someone - a member of your family? I eventually told my husband after 14 years of gambling!! What a relief. I have spent thousands and realised that I couldn’t stop without help. He has been brilliant and forgiven me. He has control of the main bank account and i have a Monzo card with a daily spending limit and this has worked well for me. I will be gamble free one year on February 1st . The cravings are less and less now and i have lots of other hobbies. You need to want to stop . All the best ?
Hi, just read through your post and have been there and managed to stay away from gambling for over 2 years…. The bit that stuck out to me was the I could win and pay off my debts! Been there and managed it 3 or 4 times … but it was a plaster over a deep wound…. Then one day I ran up so much debt that I couldn’t possibly win it back…. And that’s how they get you… I have just finished paying off my debt over a period of years …. And that’s why I’m back on here today because I’m unsure if I managed to quit so long because of the debt…. All the advise I would give you you’ve heard 1000s of times… because I did , only thing that helped me is when loved ones know and are supportive….. I never wanted anybody to know however gambling addition is the worst kept secret…. Speak to family and friends and this will help you especially at the beginning…. Wish you all the best and luck on your journey
Hi, just read through your post and have been there and managed to stay away from gambling for over 2 years…. The bit that stuck out to me was the I could win and pay off my debts! Been there and managed it 3 or 4 times … but it was a plaster over a deep wound…. Then one day I ran up so much debt that I couldn’t possibly win it back…. And that’s how they get you… I have just finished paying off my debt over a period of years …. And that’s why I’m back on here today because I’m unsure if I managed to quit so long because of the debt…. All the advise I would give you you’ve heard 1000s of times… because I did , only thing that helped me is when loved ones know and are supportive….. I never wanted anybody to know however gambling addition is the worst kept secret…. Speak to family and friends and this will help you especially at the beginning…. Wish you all the best and luck on your journey
Do you know where you are in life and where you are going? Because if you do you can start to chart a course to get there but if you don't you just drift. They don't want us to think. They harvest impulse junkies who react on every advertising and that is why you see so many on TV in the papers and on the net. The less you think the more they win. You have to start figuring out who you are , where you are going and how you are going to get there. What do you want? Don't reply with what you don't want. Figure out what you do want. The more you know about you and your wants the better chans you have to get out of this.
We are by habit of trying to solve this alone. Don't You need help. You need to talk to people because they give you feedback that you can use and deal with. Talk to experts here. Decide to do something.
As the story of bird phoenix goes you just have to get through the fire. Redemption starts appearing on the other side of it so start flying. Make a plan. Decide to succeed and you will.
I wish you well!
Best
C
"I have no enjoyment in the simplest of things anymore I feel like gambling "
There is an intresting interview/podcast that I have heard with Anna Lembke and Joe Rogan nm. 1708# that surprisingly gave me some insight on addiction/dopamine, they were talking more broadly/in other addiction spheres but it pretty much hit home for gambling. It might help you to understand the phenomenon you stated.
Umm wanted to say "Good luck"... but I hope you can succeed makes more sense
Hi Jadiepiex and Welcome
In a moment of clarity.....in a moment of reality you have to do something that will help force the cold turkey upon you
Can you tell someone you wouldn't want to let down and who can help control your money?
Yes I understand how difficult it seems. I didn't stop until I picked up the phone and started cutting off my borrowing avenues from parents in particular. I told my father everything because the sighs and stunned silence on the phone were actually nothing compared to the addiction which was killing me mentally and therefore physically
I finally began to realise what I was dealing with and what it was actually costing me.....my dignity and self respect......my life!
The money chucked away....the money defrauded from my parents. Money I never added up properly as my addiction deluded me that it's only money until the next time when I deserved some of it back....NOT!
I was not a bad person I was an ill J****E for it! I didn't understand the cravings as a serious addiction. I do now!
It's a drug addiction....the cold turkey must come and an addict will obviously find it hard to enter the rehab recovery regime that is needed
You need reality checks and you should feel pride in self excluding and living on an allowance
I felt a sense of relief....I couldn't handle it myself anymore....I didn't want money...what good had it been doing me?..it was no problem to me for someone to step in and give me a small allowance
The truth is that recovery is possible. It's how much you want to stop and realise what needs to be done with all the help you can get
Best wishes to start a gamble free life
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.
