Its 20 years since I was introduced to gambling and whilst there has been countless occasions in which I have attempted to stop previously, they have all failed. I have gone from feeling distraught in losing £20 on fruit machine to using cards on-line which doesn't seem like money at the time only to become reality when the bank/credit card statements come through the following month.
I am fortunate in that I have friends and family around me still but I prioritise spending time gambling rather than with my daughter doing activities and as the weeks and months go by my wife looks at me differently, shes tired and fed up and someone can only support so long before they give up and cut there losses which I wouldn't blame her for.
The money I use is not mine, its all borrowed from some bank or institution and whilst I currently hold down a full time job, it will only be a matter of time before I lose this if I don't sort myself out and stop for good.
Its been 9 hours since my last bet so can't even class this as day 1 but if this diary just gives me a small chance of success then I will take it...
Welcome done on coming to these forums, they are such a huge help.
Firstly, make sure you cut off access. This is basically anything that makes it physically possible to gamble. This can be self-excluding from Casinos, getting blocking software (as new Casinos pop up ALL the time), and maybe think about cutting off your access the finances (I for example have a cash card that can't be used online - no way at all to gamble). I've found in the past that the more extreme blocks, the greater chance you have at succeeding.
Secondly, GamCare have these forums, a chatroom which is so helpful and all the details on counselling, or GA etc.
Spend some time having a look around and do some research. If you act today you CAN start to beat this.
Good luck
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