I've had enough of this!

I bloody done it again didn't I, I really hope I can get a grip on this situation. Would counselling be an okay place to correct this problem behaviour, I just had to ask my parents for the third time to bail me out. Had a relapse although I did manage to go without for 3 weeks before so. I can do it again, must remain positive.

Hi I'ma

As a parent of a young gambler I can see where you are coming from and I can see what your parents are going through. First of all you need to realise that gambling can ruin your self esteem and pride, to an extent that you feel you are worthless and that is where you hit rock bottom. A bit like you sound now. But the point is with you - and you should start feeling proud right now - you know you have a problem - you are sharing it with us - you are admitting you need help. The problem is, like many others on here, you just do not know which way to turn to get this help. My advice is to get a pen and paper and start making an action list of things to do to help your recovery; i.e.

Actually ring a Gamcare counseller who will talk to you about options for counselling and finance help. There are ways of sorting your debts. Try and do that now before they go out of control.

Try and put as many blocks on the gambling sites, shops etc. Gamcare will advise you on this.

Start counting days you are GFree. You have gone 3 weeks - be proud of that - yo have done well and I think you probably feel a lot better for it.

Tell your parents about your problem and see if they will moniter your finances, if not them someoe else. It is more difficult to gamble if you do this and we have proved this. It will be a weight lifted off your shoulders.

Take a look at your lifestyle and see if you can keep yourself busy with new activities. There is plenty to do out here that does not cost a lot and where you can meet new people. i.e. gym, running, swimming, cycling, cinema. With the money ou save from not gambling start saving for a holiday or travel or a concert - anything that gives you something to look forward to.

You maybe need just a little bit mor organisation in your life and if you and your parents work together, if possible, it can be done. Hope you stay on here and let us know how you get on, whether it be a good or a bad day.

Take care.

hi, thanks for sharing; best thing i've done is to take up hobbies to help change my negative thoughts. I've found gamstop and gamcare is great to a point, but it doesnt stop the temptation... You ought to try using some blocking software. it worked great for me. i used Gamban and i found that i just cannot access the casinos after i've had a few beers and fancy a punt. Debt is manageable and not doom and gloom. The best advice i would say is to phone your creditors and be honest. "you want to pay, but cant pay at this stage but you want to resolve it by setting up a payment plan". Its really not doom and gloom to admit this. They will want to get paid as much as you want to pay them back! keep going and best of luck.