Hi I used to be a problem gambler due to meds I was taking for bipolar disorders. I used to be really bad. Since switching meds it has generally calmed down. But when the world cup has started I've been going mad. I don't work due to mental health and get a little bit extra for having bipolar. I've been using all my savings on it. I feel terrible. 100 odd quid every day so far. My old med's effected dopamine levels in my brain and it can cause addiction to gambling and these new meds seem to have triggered it a bit. Before the world cup I saw myself as a casual gambler. I would do very small bets maybe once a week. I didn't think I was addicted on my new meds. Part of me wants to gamble but I know I can't afford it. I don't know what's appealing to me about it. I guess the fact there's games on every day doesn't help. I'm tempted to get off this medication but I have so much to lose if I do. Im praying after the world cup I can go back to normal. I've self excluded from most websites but I asked to self exclude from one website last night and they didn't. So I've gone crazy one last time today. It worried me I'm betting so much every day when the tournament is a month long. Sorry to sound like I'm whining and I know for some people its worse. But I don't work I'm just lucky I have savings. This will probably happen every time there's a tournament on if I'm not careful. Has anyone got any advice to refrain from betting so much on world cup? Does self excluding actually help?
Hello MANOFKENT,
You seem to be linking your gambling with the world cup, and also you're posting that you think there could possibly be some links with your bipolar and your medication. It might be interesting for you to obtain advice or treatment from the National Problem Gambling Clinic, if you aren't already familiar with them, here a few links:
https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/cnwl-national-problem-gambling-clinic/about-us/
https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/cnwl-national-problem-gambling-clinic/refer/
About whether self-exclusion can help, yes it can, though many of our forum members combine it with additional measures, like installing blocking software, allowing a parent or partner to oversee their banking, and scheduling activities to take the place of gambling, and also using some form of motivational or therapeutic support for their recovery.
Please look at this link for more details: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do
Take care,
Forum admin.
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