I have finally realised, after losing many relationships and getting myself into thousands in debt that if I continue to gamble that I will continue to lose everything over and over again.Â
I’m 13 days Gamble Free, and feel like I’m  thinking as clearly as I have about my recovery for the first time in 10 years when my addiction began.
The thing that I am finding the hardest to deal with is constantly thinking about what I’ve lost due to gambling, and the people I’ve hurt and lied to. I know I probably need to start doing things to take my mind off of this but its tough, because I have so many regrets and trying not to let them overcome me is proving difficult, especially as my current partner has barely spoken to me in 2 weeks since this came out again and wants some space, which I totally get - I just cant help but think its another thing that this addiction has ruined.
If anyone has on any tips to start focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks,Â
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Hi, well done for opening up about your gambling problem. Im now 2 months GF and the change in myself and family life has been massive. Are you getting any counselling at all? Ive found this really has helped in my recovery to date, as they have no opinion of what you have done and just there to talk and listen.
Im sure currently the emotions are raw and painful but speaking from someone who was in a very dark place from gambling there is light at the end of the tunnel. keep focused, look to the future and show your family you can change for the better.Â
Hi Wafl,
Thanks for your reply! I am proud of myself for opening up about it, but also equally upset that I didn't do it when asked directly by my partner, and let her feel like she was going mad for a week or so! I am booked in for counselling with the NHS on the 13th October so fingers crossed this proves beneficial and I can start to look forward a bit. It really helps to know that things do get better, and hopefully I can rebuild trust from both my family and partner. Again, thanks for the reply I really appreciate it.
Acceptance of losses is a huge part of recovery, once you accept the money is gone there is no quick way out that its not coming back, that is a huge step. It does not mean you will never have money again but it means you have to work harder for it, I am over 6 months gamble free now, and I cannot express how much better my life is, yes I am skint, yes I have a lot of trust to build back, but I am happy.
Hi Deborah,Â
Thanks for your reply! You're exactly right, I do need to accept the money has gone and that I just need to work towards paying it back the proper way and do realise now there is no 'quick fix'. I guess for me its more the rebuilding of relationships and that I'm worried some people, mainly my partner, might not be able to see past it this time - and obviously she is well within her rights to do that. I guess what I'm trying to say is its hard to focus on myself when everything around me is changing, but I am doing my best to just do that, focus on myself and my recovery. Hopefully in time things will just sort themselves out if I can do that. Again, thanks for your reply its greatly appreciated 🙂 LÂ
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