So I have been a problem gambler for at least 5 years now. I dont have masses of debt, and I've always managed to keep my head just about above water.
I have long since blocked myself from online gambling, and from bookies aswell.
But since about a week after lockdown I started experiencing very strong anxiety, along with feeling fatigued, no appetite etc.
Are these common withdrawal symptoms from gambling? I honestly thought I was going to have a panic attack on the first day it started. It has gotten better since then, but I still get it. Mostly when i am at work, and it settles when i have been home for a while.
I would usually buy scratch cards every day, anytime I went into a shop, and about once a month a binge on slots from arcades I cant seem to self exclude from.
Hi Guts92
Welcome to the forum,
Firstly can I congratulate you on putting the blocks in place for both online gambling and also the bookies. These along with signing up to the Forum are great steps you have taken.
I am sure a lot of our forum users can relate to experiencing an increase in anxiety at this difficult time. One of the symptoms of anxiety can be the feeling of fatigue and worrying can certainly lead to a loss of appetite. It is good that your anxiety has lessened more recently, but I would advise that if it continues that you give your GP a call. There is treatment available for anxiety, which may further benefit your recovery from problem gambling.
I have some further good news in that it is also possible to self-exclude from arcades, but in order to ensure the information and support we give is tailored to your needs, I would recommend you give one of our Advisers a call on 0800 138 6518 or visit our NetLine If you are looking to cut down or stop buying scratch cards in future one of our Advisers would also be able to support you with strategies for doing so.
It’s great to have you join the Forum.
Kind regards
ChrisK
Forum Admin.
Thankyou. I absolutely will give them a call. I hadn't thought about arcades until after I blocked myself from the bookies. They dont seem to advertise in their that you can either like they do in bookmakers.
Thankyou for your help. It didn't occur to me that I would experience physical consequences of stopping. I havent experienced cravings to gamble as I think because I know I cant, I skipped that and went straight to withdrawal.
Guts92,
You're craving a hit, of course you're going to get withdrawal symptoms. You can alleviate this though in a few ways. Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Try to find someone who is non judgemental and will listen. The Gamcare advisers should be able to listen to you. Share in the meeting rooms and maybe chat in there.
Don't worry about the long term. Just do a day at a time. If you feel the urge or anxiety coming on then just think in terms of hours or even minutes. I'll just get through this next thirty minutes. Say it again until eventually the urge passes and the anxiety drops.
No one should ever promise that this will be easy. It's not, but the rewards from putting in the hard work are so worth it.
All the best.
Chris.
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