hi all i am new to this gamcare forum and would like to share my experience
my gambling problem for me started back in 2020 when i decided to use online casino websites for a way to cope with the Covid 19 lockdown i was unaware of the risks and dangers and that it could turn into an addiction. Through 2020 gambling cost me all my savings at this point i opened an account with gamstop to try and help with my addiction i self excluded myself for 1 year to try and get myself back on track. however 1 year on and i am no better off as i am now 4k in debt with credit card companies to purchase items i had sold to fund my gambling and £1700 in debt with bank loans to fund my gambling which I managed to pay off the loans leaving me with the credit cards. i always found another way to gamble through my gamstop exclusion for example high street casinos such as admiral and purchased national lottery scratch cards and tickets. i always seem to have gambling on my mind and it tends to interfere with basic interests such as going shopping, cinema etc... however i have now decided to be strict with myself and block every access i have to gambling including gamstop, gamban and gave all my money and bank cards etc to my parents to look after and I have spoken to an advisor about my gambling and I have been referred to the NECA for a phone call appointment and planning on attending GA meetings in my local area. since i decided to proceed with this approach i am now 2 weeks gamble free and that is a really big achievement for me as i used to gamble approximately 4 days a week straight away i am seeing how happier it is making me feel and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. feel free to comment any advice or strategies or techniques i can use for the future.
Thanks Jamie
Hi Jamie2305,
Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your story here.
Well done on all the constructive actions you've taken lately to progress your recovery.
You mentioned debt so I just though I would signpost to a couple sources of free debt advice:
StepChange
0800 138 1111
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/gambling-debt.aspx
Money Helper
0800 138 7777
Take care,
Adam.
hi jamie, I have also tried to block every avenue to gamble but I always find a way, it gives me no pleasure, I don't even know what drives me to gamble, but tonight I spent £125 which I will have to find without my husband knowing, I'm close to melt down because I hate the deception, the worrying about how I'm going to juggle my wages to cover the bill knowing we will go short next month because of it, I hate myself because I have no self control even though I know when I'm depositing I'm being an idiot! ?
Well done you for resisting, I am fully aware of how much of an achievement that is!
I know exactly where your coming from my parents knew nothing about my gambling until I felt like I had no choice but to tell them everything what had happened it was a massive weight off my shoulders and I think that’s half of the reason how I’ve managed my near 3 weeks of no gambling il admit I’m close to thinking about it and getting tempted but I’m thinking to myself no don’t do it Jamie as I don’t want to undo the hard work I’ve already achieved 3 weeks is a long time with no gambling so maybe if your honest with your husband and tell him what’s happened I think that will help your situation a lot and he can support you through it.
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