Hi
I have been on here quite a lot in the last week and it has helped immensely! Now my first week is over I thought I would start a Diary.
For people who dont know, here is my story: 30year old single full time job and back living with parents with a gambling addiction!
3 Years ago I had to move back in with my family and my monthly outgoings went right down...I saved up 3k. some maybe 1k from gambling winnings and other from work. After a wreckless day I lost it all. That was mainly on a roullette and a 17 horse race losing run. .. 17 races does sound a lot in a few hours but as 99% will know, saturday schedules can be jam packed with races every 5-10 mins.... After that I rang GA and spoke to them. I didnt do anything properly and thought my will power and managing it properly will be enough!!
2 and a half years later, here I am.
Last few months I have blown most of my wages on payday weekend!
Twice using a payday loan company to lend a few hundred to keep me going (25% of loan was earmarked for gambling with)
Last night I said to myself I will have 1 bet of £25 win or lose that will be it.... that comes 2nd by a nostrel hair and £825 later I finally got a win followed by another.
I got my money back with profit. I have withdrew this but it has left a bad taste in my mouth and unable to pay my mothers board until I get it back!
I have so much to pay for in the next few months but I blew it on a 3 minute look on a horse/greyhound card.
3 years ago I was in a state of depression and I didnt care if I lost. Well I say dont care.... the thrill was bigger than caring!
Now I do care and the thrill isnt important. All I feel is relief when I win... all excitement has gone!
That was my introduction last week!
WEEK 1
I have told my parents about my addiction and how I am on here trying to stop.
I have gave my brother the money I need for future events so I dont blow it.
I have self excluded from gambling sites.
I havent had a bet apart from a free bet I used just to get rid of it before I self excluded (didnt check racecard or anything, put it on an outsider and didnt watch race).
I have found being on here talking about my problem and trying to give advice to others very helpful, even if its sometimes just a ploy to waste time and stay off the betting sites.
Some people have reminded me about instances that have happened similar to their own, some of these have hit hard and made me realise how much of a *naughty word* I have been.
Yesterday was very hard mentally. All i did was think about betting and I did want to bet but I managed to stay away from it.. I set myself a clear plan for the day to stop me from gambling as I knew it would be difficult.
Now that is WEEK 1 finally over
WEEK 2
Hello Jonny
Your last bet was a win?
You'd be part of a small crowd if you can pull that off
technically no... I won this months pay that I had given over and got into profit... I then withdrew most of that leaving me withabout 75 and then i lost it... once that was done I woke up and realised how stupid I had been.
Hi Jonny, your story is very similar to mine, 2/3 years ago i was betting crazy and ended up in debt. manged to pull myself out of it and then saved up a good few grand in the bank. One stupid afternoon this week has changed all that and all my savings are well in majority gone. My only chink of light currently is that im not in debt but the pain is just the same. Well done on staying clear for a week, it sounds like such a small amount of time but in context to this horrendous addiction in the mind its a milestone nontheless. You're certainly not the only one to have called yourself a few choice names.
Thanks relapse, milestones are worth noting no matter how big or small eh!
Havent been on here for a few days. Had a busy week with work and then going out each night.
Betting hasnt crossed my mind much this week...Ive told a few people about the issue, mainly to keep my protection up.
Today I walked into my local offy, bought myself a few cans of cider and a packet of crisps.... then I asked and bought a euromillions lotto ticket as I always do if i go the shop on a friday..... when I was walking home, I actually felt shameful. Feeling this way must be a good thing.... I dont know if it would be classed as a minor relapse. Personally I think it was more of a lapse of concentration. I dont want to bet at the moment tho which is always a good thing
I am currently feeling strong and determined not to gamble....been asked for tips and asked if I could put a bet on for someone else but Ive managed to stay away.. I am very pleased with myself which is has been a rarity
Well it has now been 4 weeks since my last bet. I find myself wanting to have a little go but i have been able to stop myself right now. I think the main thing that has stopped me is finding other things to do.... whether applying for better jobs, playing games or going for a few ciders.
I am feeling very pleased with myself right now as I have got a stag weekend coming up in spain and I havent blown it on a horse.
Hope people are well.... I will try and keep up dated more often
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