Good afternoon guys,
This thread is just a little insight into what it's like to speak to others about our problems, I hope it helps, I will add whenever I do speak to others about the situation that I am in and presumably most of you too. My story is in a previous thread if you'd like a read.
It has been 12 days as of today that I placed my last bet, it has been 11 days since I spoke out to people starting with my parents. The overwhelming feeling of relief overpowers the feeling of shame when I broke it to them and kind of broke it to myself that I am an addict, I am ill and I do need help because dealing with this issue on my own was just going to be a recurrent problem. When you speak out it feels as if you're booting the weight of gambling off of your shoulders, forgetting the debt you may or may not be in, forgetting the guilt you may have felt. You should be proud to speak out about your issue I would highly recommend it. Since speaking out I have informed my parents, my girlfriend and my best mate of the battle i'm facing, trust me if you are in this boat speaking to others helps no end, I no longer feel alone, I feel like i'm recovering and i'm not going to place another bet again. Ever. It makes the money lost seemed like a lesson bought, the guilt and shame becomes more of an acceptance as you educate yourself that there is no fault of your own, this is an illness we battle, don't kid yourselves. Yesterday I received my first councilling session. It was so refreshing, eye opening and I hope to have many more as I think of it as a positive structure to put in place to educate myself on whatthis illness is a prevent future urges, it is something I would recommend. At first I thought it woould be weird telling a complete stranger about my life but it really is refreshing. I know this has been a bit of a waffle as I don't sructure my writing very well but I hope it passes the message that speaking out is not a negative thing to do, going through this battle alone is, in my opinion, near impossible. I will update the thread and love to hear others thoughts on speaking out.
Take care, anon.
Hello Anon,
Glad to see you talking, it helps for sure. This is a tough addiction and we need support to battle it. The more we can get the better but i know it can be really hard to tell anyone so well done for what you've done. I remember i couldn't even face telling my dad or sister. I arranged for us all to be in the room together for no apparent reason and bottled it. After he found out we met up out and talked about it and it was another big moment that helped me.
Look after yourself.
All the best.
Good thread. I’ve told my boss warts and all, I’ve told 2 family members I have a “problem” but not the full picture, I will but I just think they won’t get it or do anything to help.I haven’t seeked professional help yet, I’m coping ok for now, at the moment I need to stable life and my finances, have a plan and settle into it, I’ve had no urges at all but it’s been 3 weeks only and I’m under no illusions this is for life.
I’ve made lots of changes already, lots of blocks in place but I know my ultimate weakness will be when I’m debt free, however that’s a long way away, 4 years at least.Im on the last chance now, if i mess this up I can’t have a future I want, I’ve wasted 30 years trying to be a big shot, it’s caused me only misery and I have only this one chance to rectify it.
I choose to hide it from my most precious person as I don’t ever want to chance losing her, I don’t need telling it’s wrong but it’s my choice, to tell others about this addiction is easy for me but I don’t want this banded around , I trust the one person that knows it all but in truth he’s there to listen, I’ve got to do this myself for now.Once I settle down I may seek proper help, I will need it I know, I’ve tried to beat this but lasted 6 months only, this to me needs to be forever.
Opening up to my dearest would solve me but at present I dunno if I could take that risk, I battle on for now.
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