Isn't it weird how all logic goes out the window when your in the middle of a gambling session? How you are willing to spend every penny you can lay your hands on leaving you with nothing to pay bills or buy food for the next 3 weeks. I realised I had a big problem last December and was starting to make progress and was hoping to be debt free in 2 months. Then you make one mistake and your back to square one. The last 9 months of starting to feel better and sleeping easier ruined by 1 night of stupidity. Will I ever get this demon off my back?
Well yes exactly. Thats the horrific thing about gambling addiction. In that it only takes potentially just a few minutes of madness to undo months of good recovery work.
Ive been going around this cycle for years and it not only decimates ones bank balance, over time it leads to a deep seated anxiety and depression, thats hard to shrug off.
Learn from my mistakes topcat and don't go around this cycle for years and years.
Regards... S.A
Topcat - I've done the same. Could have been all make on the straight and narrow from Jan to July this year but now it's going to be by the end of this year. So it's taken me 6 months longer but that will be it now. I had a last gambling spree and in done with it. Make sure you don't go back.
Hi Topcat,
Put your money in the care of a trusted relative so that when temptation strikes you can't physically do anything about it. Have the person deal with all your finances and only allow yourself the bare minimum of ready cash to serve your needs each day.
There is always the possibility of a relapse with the likes of us so you have to have the strongest measures (sorry if I state the obvious) in place to prevent future gambling sprees.
I've blocked all online gambling sites. I don't have access to ready money to gamble in the High Street. It's not easy and I've had pangs but the key is not being able to do anything about it. I'm on day 231 free now. I've seen a psychiatrist to discuss my previous behaviour patterns. Just talking with him has been a great help to me. Antidepressants have also helped as I was prone to severe depression and that was one of my gambling triggers. Things going badly at work and serious illness to family member (s) were other triggers for me.
Don't be afraid to seek professional help from your GP if your mental health is fragile for whatever reason.
Best Wishes.
Thanks for your messages. Well done on 231 days gamble free Mr Stop!! Lots of valuable info and tips there for me to take on board. Still feeling down about whats happened but at 21 years of age im sure ive got time to repair things. I'm just wanting to make these changes sooner rather than later. Really nice to speak to people that are going through the same thing!
Still not gambled. Feeling down today to be honest. Working away for the next few days and i need to put my expenses on my card which is maxed out. Just feel embarassed
7 days gamble free.
Well Done topcat53.
Stay Strong.
Hi folks. 16 days now. Had to tell my mum today as the debt was getting on top of me. I think she finds it hard to understand but I expected that anyway. Luckily she's been able to help financially to stop these crippling interest rates. But it's nice to know what I actually owe and that it won't get any higher. I also made the decision to give her control of my finances for a whole just to help me get back on track and resist the urges. But im feeling more positive as the days go by
Not been on here for a while, always come on and have a read but rarely post an update. It's 34 days now and to be honest there's some days were it feels like I'm using every single bit of energy on resisting gambling but so far I'm succeeding so I can't complain. This might sound weird but I feel like I'm getting addicted to not gambling? The thing that stops me gambling is losing the last 34 days progress so it must be helping
Its been 68 days since ive gambled a penny. Its a weird feeling, part of me is feeling great for finally starting to get on top of something thats troubled me for years. But another part of me is feeling more embarassed now about the things ive done to gamble or the amount of money ive lost in the process. Its like i was living in a dream world
Yeah that guilty realisation is common. I still have it 3 years on. I wouldn't say it holds me back tho. In fact the guilt has mainly turned to intrigue into my addiction. I am my own case study, to study.
Now you're out the fog you can really push on. Address why you gambled, learn more about yourself and your life will improve massively.
Louis
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