Relapsed but I'll come out stronger

Hello Pendarlo1

As you have found it can be very tempting to test yourself once your blocks have run out and sadly this usually leads to a relapse, as you have realised. However it is great that you've seen what's happened and have got your recovery straight back on track.

If you haven't done so already please do also consider calling the HelpLine 0808 8020 133, or contacting us via live chat on our NetLine service https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/ to see what additional free support, including one to one treatment, you may want to access.

Wishing you all the best with your continued recovery,

Josie

Forum Admin

Stay strong. The hardest part is acknowledging how easy it is to lose control when you start, and that it's best not to. It's easy to think you have it beaten when blocks are in place. You did great in realising this before things got too far out of hand. 

After 10 months of no gambling I had a relapse on Friday and lost a bit of money. I never again want to experience that feeling of being out of control. My goal now is to go longer than 10 months without gambling. 
keep going buddy!

To both Oranje01 and Pendario1,

sorry to hear you both had a bet after a while off gambling. Did you just have blocks like Gamstop or did you use will power or maybe Gamblers anonymous as well? 

Do you know what caused the actual betting? Was it something in your life you didn't want to face or something else?

Thanks,

Chris.

I'm sorry to hear you had a relapse and understand this can happen to anyone. At least your bills are covered and your not left with nothing. I'm sat here today with not a penny to my name I'm waiting on a church dropping me some food off and I feel so ashamed I've put my family in this position 

Thanks all for your replies.

@chris.uk, my only block was Gamstop. Honestly, it's amazing.

The year leading up to the removal I didn't gamble and after about 2 weeks of being on it I lost the urge/itch that I had everyday. It's a relief knowing that you cannot place any kind of bet.

The only thing that triggered this loss was a false sense of security. I thought that because I hadn't had the urge to gamble for a year that I would be able to play for fun and know when to stop. That didn't happen. The classic game of lose, chase, win back, lose it again, chase it again and lose more. Very obvious that I can never gamble without chasing. Hence me going back to GamStop.

Like I said, thankfully all my bills were paid this month and I still have some money to see me through the month. Just a horrible feeling knowing that I let myself go like that. 

But it's onwards and upwards from here. I'm still paying for a good few years of gambling debts, but these are coming down. I'm back in control now, with the help of GamStop. It feels good!

Sorry about the rambling! Makes me feel better!

Hi Pendarlo1,

Thanks for the info. I'm pleased that you have found Gamstop such a help. Have you considered going to Gamblers Anonymous alongside your block. The reason is stopping gambling is great, but as you've proven, when the block wasn't in place your old thinking came back. With GA or even counselling you might be able to get through those times when life gets a bit tough.

Just something to think about. If you get some time pop onto the GA website and look on the literature section and take a read of the blue book called "towards the first 90 days". You might find some useful stuff in there that you might be able to associate with.

Chris.

I did exactly the same but only had 6 months off I didn’t miss it one bit, then when the self exclusion ended I started again and couldn’t control myself again so back on Gamstop and I feel so relieved! I get so stressed when I waste my money on gambling