What have you lost?

Hi Romeo

You've shared a really honest list- and you've done a great job in joining here- you'll get all the support you need to get through and past gambling.

The best thing about the past is that it's over- each step and day is one step closer.

The first step is thinking about what a future freedom gambling would look, sound and feel like- make it as vivid as you can- and keep the his image as your focus as you take it day by day.

Hi Romeo

Well done for joining GamCare - your first step to turning round your life and getting it back on track.

My advice for what it is worth (and I understand that it will be easier said than done) you have to forget about the things you have lost that you have no chance of getting back and make the changes to your life to get back the things you want back.

I would say that the first thing you need to forget is the money. Secondly the years you've gambled are also gone. With regards to your family and mates I cannot comment because I don't know the circumstances surrounding those situations, but I would hope and pray that in time they can forgive you as long as you can overcome the gambling.

Remember that when you gamble and the things you have done as a result of gambling are not the real you. The real you has been overcome and needs to win through against this. It's a horrible horrible addiction which many people don't understand - but we on here do and we know that it takes us over and turns us into completely different people.

There is a saying (cant remember who said it) that I try and live my life by including the gambling and that is:

"Change the things you cannot accept and accept the things you cannot change".

You cannot change the past but you can change the future and in time if you can regain peoples trust you can get your friends and family back. It wont be easy but it can be done.

Again not knowing your situation I can only give advice based on what I'd do, but perhaps you can speak to the person you were closest to and ask them for the help to beat it. Show then this site and get them involved because problems in life are easier to solve when they are shared.

Most of all use this site and the people on it. Come on every day and share your feelings.

Most people find putting blockers on the computer and self excluding will take away the ability to gamble.

You can also ring the GamCare hotline and speak to them to get advice.

Today is day 1 of your new life and at your age (assuming your 33) you have so much time to turn everything around. It may not seem like it but you can.

Regards

Craig