Hi all, im back again to try this again, iv been struggling with gambling for 6 years now and this is the lowest iv ever been. in more debt than iv ever been and generally just at breaking point. I was doing well but had another big relapse and im just sick of it all. Im going to try check in here once daily (where possible) it would be great for others to interact with me on here, we can all help each other. Im looking into getting help with my debts, can anyone recommend a specific route?
Day one... I can do this.
Morning Al161, sorry to hear you're having a tough time and stuggling at the moment. I just wish we could bottle that awful feeling we as gambling addicts have felt too many times and re-open it when close to relapsing, as its truly a dreadful feeling. However, the relapse is done, you have done the right thing by coming back here. It's awful, a horrible feeling, but I can tell you if you do 100% want to lead a different/better life...you absolutely can! It will not fall into your lap and it will be hard, with perhaps the odd relapse, but the difference is you aknowledged your relapse and didn't carry on with 'the chase'....surely that's progress from the past? Wishing you luck on your journey ahead. Remember, we are all in this together! Cx
Hi AI161!
The GA orange book says gambling is not a financial problem, and that is kind of true, but it sure as hell causes one and it's the worry of how you'll cope with the debt "without winning" that keeps us coming back. Of course, we actually compound the situation unless we stop gambling, because as CGs we will ALWAYS gamble without winning in the end. I have previously spoken to both StepChange and Payplan about my debt and how it happened and they have been understanding and helpful. Depending on your type and level of debt they will be able to go through the options available to you. It is all completely free and they are funded by your creditors, because they realise that this is the most likely way debtors will ever service their debt. I hope that helps and without the concern about your debt, your mind will be a little freer to concentrate on the other changes you need to make.
'Hey guys thankyou so much both for you replies, both as helpful as each other. Its so comforting to know that everyone here genuinly cares for each other and wants to see each other rid of this nasty nasty addiction.
Today has been OK, Had a long day at work after 3 days off so had lots to catch up on and kept my mind quite busy and away from other gambling and debt related thoughts. I set myself a little "Targets and rewards" list this afternoon (I think I saw someone else on here say they made one). So at certain milestones im going to reward myself with differnt things, hopfully will bring the value of money back to me too. A lad I work with was telling me about all these football bets he had places for tonights games, it got me thinking how gambling is just absolutly everywhere, and yet how so many people can just be so incontrol of it yet people like myself cannot. Anyways I am going off on one slightly now so will leave it at that, Thanks again for youre words Charley and Whatami.
I can do this.
Al
Some people can gamble, some people can't. We can't, therefore we don't. May want to, but it is not safe to. For us it leads to destruction of self, relationships and finances. You can do this, one day at a time.
End of day 4 and going strong. Been working long hours so normally enough to keep the temptations at bay. Used the self exclude from multiple bookies system today. That felt good to get that sorted out. Over half way to a week now. Short but sweet today. I can do this
Hi Al161
Welcome and don't be sorry for posting anything on here we are all alike in that we have, a gambling addiction/illness. It's very tough in the early days I'm not going to lie but I'm only 53 days GF and life feels so much better than when I was in the gambling bubble. The individual has to WANT to stop gambling or in my eyes will always end up back on the gambling road, that's not to say even if you WANT to stop gambling you won't, as it's about the measures you put in place to help you beat this addiction. I don't want to preach to much as I'm only relatively new on this recovery road but having being on this road before I know how easy it is to go back gambling if we let our guard slip and the consequences it can have, I have probably lost my wife and hurt my 2 boys very much through my selfishness and gambling ! I find myself on here a few times per day reading stories and posting I find this helps me a lot and also being open with people now about my addiction even though I still find this embarrassing. Keep your chin up and a lot of hard work and you can beat this addiction but it won't be easy !!
"It's good to talk and take it one day at a time"
All the Best
Darren
One week today! Not feeling great at the moment but just taking one day at a time. Get paid this week so going to try chip away at as much debt as possible. Looking forward to just getting my head down and clearing all this debt off.
Thanks for all your kind words Darren, hope you are still doing well.
I can do this
Morning, huge congrats on your week gf...great progress! Sorry you aren't feeling great today...so all unpredictable this day to day business isn't it, feeling on top of the world one mintue, then the feelings of reality and debt smashing you in the face the next. However, do remind yourself that each day you don't mind your debt isn't bet worst in the respect and each day you don't gamble is something to be totally proud off! Hope your day improves, take care. Cx
Hiya
Some people get euphoria when they stop gambling, but that doesn't last.
As gambling is a symptom of something else, stopping gambling isn't gona magically cure everything.
So its perfectly normal not to feel great but give yourself huge credit for stopping gambling. Particularly if you don't feel great as that's when real foundations are laid.
Best wishes
Louis
Sorry to read about this mate.Try come on here whenever you get an urge. It seems so simple but I'm finding it does help. Stay strong
Try and stay strong mate.. I lost £1000 yesterday after not gambling for 2 months. Everyone regresses and makes mistakes it's how you bounce back from it that counts. Don't let gambling beat you because I won't let it beat me.. we're all in this together. Take it easy.
Thanks each and everyone of you for your kind words. Things are tough at the moment, find myself staying in bed during a lot of my free time, I know it's not great thing to do but it's just about all I feel like doing. Going to try and get out on my bike tomorrow and clear my head abit. 8 days ticked off
I can do this
How's it going mate
A lapse last night, devasted. hard work gets undone in a few seconds x
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
