Time to stop...

Hi Ben, welcome to the forum.

First things first "My problem is that I am actually quite lucky". I think you'll actually find the problem is that you're a compulsive/problem gambler.

My advice is always the same to those who seriously want to stop gambling. We cannot do this on our own, seek help either from a GamCare counillor (number at top of screen) and they can work with you on a one to one basis, or go to Gamblers Anonymous where everyone is a compulsive gambler, helping each other through sharing their experiences to stay away from a bet.

If you do nothing then there is a high chance you will continue to gamble and continue the misery, if you contact GamCare or GA then you have a chance.

The first thing you need to do is be honest and with yourself, you've begun this by admitting you're addicted and it's time to quit. Now put the shovel down, stop digging the hole deeper and accept the hand to begin to pull you out the hole.

Living in London is of benefit to you, you're ideally situated for GamCare and for GA meetings where there are meetings every you can attend, I've included a listing here:

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/meetings.htm#South

Forget the losses, those are gone. Forget thinking you're quite lucky, if you were you wouldn't be in the situation you were in and finally forget thinking you can gamble normally, you've proved you cannot.

Different things work for different people, yes people can abstain simply by contributing and reading this message board. I tried that and it didn't work for me, I needed more. Reading a board never removed all the hurt, the burden, the poor me's and the many other emotions I felt when I was at my bottom. Sharing with others done that for me and started to turn my life around. Yes it helps here, yes it's great to share with others here, but try to have an additional form of support and not only restricted to this forum.

Good luck and keep posting

Compulsive Gambler

http://www.gascotland.org

I've been reading some of the postings on the forum and know I want to stop this downward spiral my life is in. I am addressing various issues at the moment ie:drinking, health and personal problems and would appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.

Do you know... you are so right. I am not lucky at all.

I've said that to myself all this time - that the reason I keep betting is because my 'last bet' is a winner that kick starts more gambling all again.

But of course, that is what gambler addiction does! I am not lucky at all - thank you for helping me see that.

I WILL get through this.

B.

Hi Ben, welcome

Yes you will !!!!!

The good thing about this place is that no one will judge you good or bad, as compulsive says "you CAN'T do this on your own, well your not on your own we are all here for you.

Take care

Stay strong

Kim xx

P.s try join us in chat tom (8pm uk time) be great to see you there!

Hi timeto stop'

Well done in taking the first (hardest)positive steps.

Advice? Read all of the posts here

take from it what you wish, your no longer alone in dealing with this.

Would be nice to see you in chat tom night if you can make it?

Take Care

Stay Strong

Kim xx

If I am home from work tomorrow.. I will definitely be in chat.

I've also told a work colleague about my problem... Someone I can talk to too.

I know it sounds silly... but I've also created something I've called the 'Concept'. I have recently broken up with my girlfriend.. it wasn't working and I don't feel too bad about it.

BUT.. i met someone the other day who set my heart beating.. I have a habit of falling in love easily...LOL. And although I don't think anything will happen there, I know I'll meet someone else. and when I do it will be SO NICE to hvae the money to treat that girl how I want to. So often with my old GF I sometimes couldn't send her presents et.c when I wanted to because of lack of money. No gambling will mean I can treat that girl exactly how I want! I know it's stupid, but is another weapon in my armoury against this horrible, horrible disease!!

See you in chat tomorrow hopefully.

B.

Hi Ben, some good comments there from compulsives posting.

You know I always thought I was quite lucky, Like you my addiciton was gambling online.

I used to play some slots, spinning at 5 cents win nothing up the stake to 50 cents and match a 100 bar on a 10 times wild and win $1500 then take a break thinking how lucky I was, thinking it wont pay me anymore on slots then losing it on roulette or blackjack.

Its those wins which keep you interested and keep you gambling, as if nobody won anything at all then they would never play.

It is a horrible disease as you say and the losses soon max out credit cards. Any winnings I had wouldnt have even paid the interest on the cards! You get so far down and think well I got a $400 bankroll, pointless cashing out as I need much more. Lose that and deposit more.

Little tip for you Ben is

1/ get gamblock (Blocks online gambling)

2/ close all your online accounts (if they wont do that, then change your password to something you cant remember and lose it)

3/ If possible pay off your visa card and switch to mastercard as mastercard are very anti gambling and wont let anyone bet with them.

4/ Because you cant gamble dont look at it as your been deprived, remember if gambling was so much fun and profitable you wouldnt have wanted to stop - So NEVER question your decision

Hope this helps

Goodluck

Mike

Hi Ben,

Good that you know you have a problem. Great that you want to do something about it! But let me tell you my experience:

1. FOBT, poker, fruities, they are the worst for fuelling a compulsive gambling disorder. I'm not saying you have one, but I am saying I have one. In check, for now!

2. Beautiful women, love, won't help you. Or should I say, didn't help me. It's a great short-term distraction, but unfortunately the "gambling demon" knows all the tricks.

So if you want to give up gambling:

1. In yourself, honestly, agree to stop gamlbing

2. Get help. GA or Gamcare are excellent places, and as someone has already said no-one is here to judge, just help

3. As they say on the shampoo bottle "rinse and repeat as necessary" 🙂

I've messed my life up big-time gambling. Really, you wouldn't believe it's possible. I'm based in London also ; [email protected] . Drop me a mail if I can help. Or better still, call those nice guys at Gamcare! Number here ^^^^^^^

Am like a magnet on evil fobt , o don't want it no more am bared from every bookies the city I always lived , I travel to other city's to play on evil fobt how do I get this addiction out of my stupid brain ?

So out of control , it's infecting people who I love deeply around me , again I CANT stop what is wrong with me , ????????????????,,