So basically from the start I’m currently 23.. I’ve been gambling since I was about 18.. continuously .. I’ll get paid and gamble all and repeatedly.. I had about a 6 month period this year where I managed to stop but working nights something triggered and I started again, all my savings are gone and I’m in pretty much £6000 worth of debt due to credit cards etc!!! I just feel like I’m in such a hole I can’t stop and I don’t think I ever can 🙁 I don’t feel confident enough to go to ga meetings or anything like that but just feel like I’ve messed my whole life up how do I get myself out of this hole 🙁 please some advice
Hi Annon23,
Thank you for coming on our forum to share your situation. It can feel overwhelming to try to deal with everything that is going on. However, it is a bold and great action from you to reach out to others. In addition to this forum we have our online chatrooms and our 24/7 helpline where you can chat to an adviser. We have a range of support options, free debt advice links, money management service etc. Feel free to get in touch.
Best Wishes
Fiona
Forum Admin
Good morning Anon.
First of all, you have not messed your life up, you are young and will get through this. The 6 months when you stopped gambling was impressive, so you have shown that you can stop. In terms of GA meetings, I feel that attending a GA meeting weekly will benefit you, also attacking your debt is the key, sit down and see exactly how much you owe, speak to your creditors, do not bury your head in the sand.
Use this site to discuss and see how others are working hard to stop. Stopping gambling is a process that is not sorted over night, but it takes courage, honesty and the will and dedication to change. I am in my 17th month now without having a bet, after a while the need to bet does go.
You owe it to yourself to stop, not others but yourself.
Merry xmas
The nightly chats here are great. I also attend a weekly virtual GA meeting on a Sunday night. It is mostly men but the problem we share doesn’t care what s*x or age we are. Also, check out the gamblersinrecovery website for virtual meetings starting at all hours of the day and night from all over the world. There are some women only ones I plan to try.
Get in touch with Gordon Moody who also offer free counselling and a women’s only retreat.
Wishing you the best and stay strong.
Try getting in contact with breakeven, they were fantastic for me. And I certainly would not be 5 months Gamble free without them.
It's also hard, but you need to tell those closest to you what's happening. They probably won't understand at first but they'll get there too. My personal feelings is that the more people you tell and are honest with the more support you get and also its more people you'll let down so you have added motivation
Hi anon23 Welcome to the GamCare Form and for sharing your experiences, I can understand why you may be feeling you are currently in 'a hole' and not sure how to start to climb out.
I would suggest that if you are doing online gambling then please see the links below to register with blocking software on your devices:
If going into betting shops or arcades then please see this link:
Self Exclusion - Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme (self-exclusion.co.uk)
Also at GamCare we offer 121 support either with a Practitioner in your local region and you can refer yourself via a 24 hour Advisor on 0808 802 0133 or online via our CBT GameChange Course you can GameChange Course - GamCare
Here is a link to give you an overall view of what we offer Looking for support? - GamCare and I am confident you will find the right support for you.
If you have anyone that can support you in managing your money it will also help to reduce the temptations and a possibly trigger to your problem gambling behaviour.
Please be encouraged that things can and will get better for you, once you find the right support that works for you, if you have any family members or friends that are impacted by your gambling they can also receive support by contacting the 24 hour Helpline Advisor on 0808 802 0133 and via our online themed chat room Family and Friends Affected by Gambling Chatrooms - GamCare
I wish you all the best for the future
Rets
Forum Admin
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