Hi folks.
Im in a massive rut, everytime i find myself with spare cash i cant resist going into the Bookies and playing Blackjack.
Im just managing to keep my head above water by paying bills as soon as i receive my money every 2 weeks(I am schizophrenic and on benefits) but everytime i am left with anything i think "maybe i can double it up" etc.
I have tried self excluding myself from local betting shops but we all know there is a different one around every corner in major cities.
I went to a GA meeting once in the past when it all came to a head with my family but i didnt think it was for me or find it particularly helpful, just seemed like alot of backslapping and talk of a "fellowship of brothers" and i found it difficult to talk about my problem with complete strangers face to face.
Im desperate to stop, even though i have lost thousands that lure of the quick win is always there.....
Hi. One big thing I learnt was that the urges don't just go away.
Questions for you - what is the one thing you HAVE to have to enable you to gamble?
Second question - what would happen if you didn't have this essential thing?
Final question - what can you do to make sure when the urges come along you do not have access to this one thing?
I am of course talking about access to money!
Have a think about this buddy.
Dave
Thanks for your comment Dave. A close friend actually told me to give my bank card up and only carry £20 at a time for essentials like petrol which sounded like a great idea but i tried this i knew i could just go into the bank with ID and withdraw money if i felt the urge. Right now i have £25 to my name(only because i forgot earlier i had this available on a credit card or it would have been spent as well!) and i am determined tomorrow is a new day. I have food, shelter, gas, electric and a little petrol until i get my next money on 18/11/14. i am confident i can get through these 12 days without spending my £25 on blackjack but i know the REAL test will start when i get more money. One day at a time though....
egfr wrote:
Im desperate to stop, even though i have lost thousands that lure of the quick win is always there.....
There is no quick win. Its just a slow, painful loss. No one wins except the bookies.
I believe all gamblers need to sit down and ask themselves are they ready to face the pain. Seriously though. Are you? Stopping can be done, just look at the people on this forum! If you’re ready to take the step and I mean the real step to stopping then you need to do EVERYTHING you can to stop. Give someone else your bank card. Self exclude. Get to the library/go online and read up about addiction and gambling addiction specifically. Make a list of everyone you've wronged/what you've done to gamble. Make amends. Take a financial check on yourself. The list goes on.
If GA isn't your cup of tea then you need to look elsewhere. The alternative is just going down the rabbit hole further.
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