Hi Smithy,
Sorry to read about the troubles you are going through but you are in the right place to get the support and advice needed to stop....its up to you to do what is required though.
We don't know each other but I was you 16 years ago.....I wish I had put in the effort to stop then that I have now.
Telling your parents will be a great place to start believe me. Keep coming on here and keep talking.
Wish you well.
Damo
ITDamo I'm just sick of it mate
Tell your parents smithy....talk to them....it will feel like a massive weight has been lifter from you if you do.
They will be disappointed but they would rather know....I am a dad and believe me I would want to know, I would want to help.
Damo
As a mum Smith ...
If I thought one of my kids was in such turmoil I would want to be there...
One of mine got herself in serious strife with work/theft/police...which resulted in court case and potential prison sentence...thank goodness a suspended sentence was given...
But I was with her every step of the way...
I obviously didn't agree with what she done..
I was obviously disapointed in the situation..
But I never stopped loving her !
So I finally told my parents the cards are on the table (pun intended) no more secrets or lying my next step is to try and get back on track with my studies and to clear of my debt it's going to be a long few months but I can do it
Good start Smithy 🙂 Be sure to let them know that there is support for them here or through GamAnon if they need a bit of guidance!
Last time I posted, you were looking @ GA? Have you tried the Netline? Uni is no mean feat & gambling offers a lovely escape with a get rich (ha & not a funny ha) scheme thrown in...You wouldn't try for a degree without books & teachers so please don't feel the need to do this alone!
Work hard @ your studies, you have a future ahead of you! Time to turn things around - ODAAT
Well done Smithy - get as much info from gamcare on ways to stop and keep sharing that info with your parents. If they offer to moniter your finances - let them - and keep them close to you now and keep talking and to people on here for advice and support. In our case our gambler said they wished we had over finances a lot sooner but we were unaware of the problem. To be quite honest Smithy, as parents this problem came as a shock to us and we knew nothing about how it all worked and the extent of damage it could do and as parents we worry about your futures. And of course it was a big secret that none of us knew about until rockbottom was hit with the stress of it all and it was only then we were told. So I am really glad to read your post today and hopefully now you can concentrate on your studies and you and your parents can look forward to a bright future. Keep us all posted on your progress. Take care.
Well done smithy....a massive step and I imagine a bit of weight been lifted off your shoulders.
Just remember that if you never have that first bet there can be no second, third etc.
Good luck with the studies.
Damo
32 days have gone and still no gambling I've only had an urge once but it was sorted out
Hiya Smithy , great to see you getting some gamble free time under your belt and also the urges are subsiding a little:)).
Gambling thrives on secrecy mate because it's just you and it with no one else involved and all the time that's happening you can always justify to yourself a reason to gamble , telling your parents was the turning point fella and aplace that you can build a future from :)).
Stay safe and well and keep racking up those days buddy !
Best wishes Alan
If I were your parent 32 days gfree would be music to my ears - keep counting those days and keep talking to the parents.
Good luck with the studies.
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.
