Square One

you have to be honest with yourself and your mum in my opinion. this illness makes you deceitful and it will always come back to bite you in the a**e if you dont deal with it now, ive been gambling 7 years and "stopped" many times but this is the 1st time ive really wanted to and came clean about what ive been doing to my partner, Tell your mum about this site ask her to look into the illness for people who arent compulsive gamblers its really hard to get your head around i know this as ive been on both sides now, talk to netlive then can offer you coucilling and advice do all you can to deal with this now before you are saying the same thing for the 100th time.

Good luck

Hi MayDay - As a mother myself, I feel sure that your Mum will support you come what may.

It's what Mums do. Yes, she may be very disappointed, even angry with you, but if you are really serious about ridding yourself of this terrible addiction and you can show her that you are seeking help, then I am sure she will do all she can to help. You mention that you are afraid that your independent lifestyle will be compromised by 'coming clean'. What does that mean exactly? If it's because your Mum supports you financially and that this might be curtailed, then I think you have to face up to that scenario. I don't think any compulsive gambler can expect to maintain recovery without any tightening of the belt.

In many ways having to do without is a good reminder of what we have let slip through our fingers. One thing you can be sure of - if you carry on gambling after your degree and eventually have a long-term relationship and a family then as sure as eggs is eggs your loved ones will be the ones suffering.

So resolve to turn your life around now once and for all. Take heart from the stories on this site and accept all the advice and support there is on offer. I am sure you can do it.

Best wishes,

Joanna