Degenerate VIII

Day 0.

I am going to call the helpline and try and get some counselling.

It's hard. We've all been there. I firmly believe that to move forward it's only natural to have slip ups. I'm almost on Day 50 gf and I couldn't be more happy. I've eaten more chocolate than ever before but I'd rather do that than lose all my money. It's important you have a distraction for when you find yourself with free time or you're bored. I found that playing Candy Crush helped me massively. You can do it and I honestly believe that. The best thing you've done is to admit you have a problem, that's the biggest step. Now use this opportunity to plan things for your future that your money could be spent on instead, almost like a wish list. I found the first few days is the hardest. As I type this, I've just got out my laptop to do some more work on my degree...another thing I wouldn't have had time for when I was previously gambling.

One day at a time. One milestone at a time. Before you know it you'll be at day 100!

Stay strong. L x

Hi degen, I have just had a brief scan through your previous posts and can see you got some decent gambling free time behind you. So, I expect you've heard it all before, you know the right things to do and what to avoid. I am in no position to lecture, I've failed to recover just as many times as you. All I can tell you is what is making me feel more confident this time round, and that is the counselling you mention. My last five weeks with my counsellor have been a really eye-opener. It took a good couple of sessions for us to get to know each other and for me to get my story out there. Like everything, it's not a quick fix, but it has given me a vibe about getting straight that I honestly haven't felt before. I can't tell whether this really is gonna be it licked for good (who can?) but it seems to be working right now. Whichever way(s) you attack this problem, best of luck, I will be looking out for your posts. Cheers, whatami.

Day 26

Thanks for advice. Unfortunately, I still have not taken another big step and called the helpline. I keep puting it off. I am adamant I will give them a call eventually. I am diappointed with myself.

I have been keeping very busy and I have not thought of gambling at all. However, Cheltenham festival tomorrow and I feel like I will look at the results which will only feed bad thoughts. No plans or money to gamble.

Degen,

Have the courage to call the helpline, or even get in touch through Netline. They are lovely. I did it on Saturday and I resisted for months, I am hooked up for counselling next week.

Good luck.

Julie

I didnt call, I did not do anything different this time round and of course I gambled.

What else was going to happen? I gambled all my available money and all my available money the next day. Was staring at no money for food or petrol to get to work for a full month. Somehow I got a loan to cover the hellish month I was about to have and I just gambled the little extra I calculated I had left.

I am phoning the Helpline now. Unfortunately, the Netline seems to be down. The small amount I have left needs to be used for food and petrol.

I am such a useless idiot. I have never felt this numb and hollow. I thought I was cruising for a few more months at least. I hardly thought about gambling and I was keeping busy. Sigh.

Wow. I called the helpline and the person on the end of the line was very unhelpful.

I said I was looking to get some online counselling and was told "We try not to offer online counselling when there is a help centre nearby". I said the place offered was not nearby, I attended once before and found it too far away, so I was then offered numbers for Trusts even further away.

I said can I just get the online counselling. "No sorry, there is a waiting list". So I asked if I could get on the waiting list and was told I couldnt join. I asked why and was not given any reason.

I was then told I couldnt join the waiting list cos I was ineligible. I asked why and was told because I have a trust that is nearby and was offered a Trust that was 40 miles away. I pointed out that she was contradicting herself and any further questions resulted in her changing the subject.

I then said can I just have the Counselling number to phone and any call number or emplyee number in case I wish to complain about this call.

I spoke softly and calmly throughout our conversation while the member of staff just rushed through the telephone number, said she had been helpful and the hungup on me.

I am more stressed now than I was before making the call. Need to think of a Plan C. Unbelievable.

i would like to point out I have called the number in the past and the person at the other end was extremely helpful and I would not want to put anyone off calling them.

The number I was given to speak about Online Counselling is currently closed for the Christmas Holidays!

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Degen turn your wifi off on your mobile and then you'll have access to netline I've just checked and it seems to be a problem if you try to go through on a broadband connection

Hello degenerate

I am sorry to hear of your experience with the helpline today. Registration for online counselling is now open. The online counselling is mainly in small groups of five and is for ten weeks. Gamcare does offer individual online counselling where it is possible. Please find a link here with information and registration to online counselling http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/free-counselling/online-counselling

If you wish to make a complaint please email @gamcare.org.uk"> http://complaints @gamcare.org.uk

It is good to hear that you have called before and that you found the adviser helpful

Keep posting we are here to support you

Take care

Forum admin

Hi, looks like your really trying which is great, maybe also look into a local ga meeting too? It can't hurt having extra groups of support! I have here, a hypnotherapist, my partner and have done 2 ga meetings, I'm on day 6 and although it's a rocky road I feel good about not gambling! I have blocks in place (no cards and a filter on my phone) for wobbly moments but I'm building the wall of support around me as high as I can, you can do this, you want it so you can !

@admin I am moving on. My only complaint will be in this thread. Very disappointed.