Ladies, please help!!

Hi Jo welcome to the forum 🙂

I like yourself am a female struggling with gambling addiction, I am 32 years old and have shamefully gambled for quite some years. You have made a huge start by finding yourself here and I wish you every success on your journey to recovery. I joined 2 weeks ago and have already spoken to so many inspirational positive and supportive people. I guess the key is deciding that enough is enough and putting preventative barriers in place to help you to resist temptation and urges. Agreed easier said than done however you need to take each day as it comes. There are many others on here just like us battling addiction, embarrassed, ashamed and feeling isolated but with the help of others it really does seem easier to confront the problem and tackle it head on. Perhaps start a diary on here where you can vent and let off steam and also track your road to success. Good Luck Jo 🙂 You can do it. All the best. Shout if you want to talk more. xx Hayley xx

Thank you so much for your reply Hayley, as silly as it sounds it feels great to actually talk about it.

What is your story? In the past couple of weeks have you gambled/had any urges? If so how have you stopped?

My main problem is slot machines. They seem so innocent with great graphics that you forget that it's your hard earned money that you're gambling with.

I really appreciate your time in reading this and needless to say if you need any help just let me know x

Hi Jo - Ah, those dreaded slots. I know just what you mean about the graphics - they get you into a zombie-like trance where all logical thought disappears and before you know it you've lost a couple of hundred. So many of us have been there, but as 4evahopeful says this site is a brilliant place where you will find lots of support and advice. As she says, one day at a time, and you will be surprised how much better you feel for not gambling even for a few days down the line.

I'm glad you have self-excluded - make sure its permanent though. Of course the danger is finding new sites and if you only use your phone then installing a blocking program is difficult I can see that. I only used to play online so I was able to install K9 and that was such a help. I also use an old PAYG phone so can't be tempted through that. Is there any chance you could switch to that type of phone?

Anyway, the important thing is that you have found this site and that you are resolved to quit. Keep reading other people's stories and you will be inspired in your journey.

Best wishes

Joanna

Hi Jo 🙂 how are you doing?

I was also attracted to the graphics etc of the online slots, I have never had any impulse to play slots in pubs, amusement arcades or even in the bookies. (just online!!) The false idea of winning big jackpots tempted me to part with most of/ if not all of my wages on a monthly basis. Such a waste of so much time and money. I would keep depositing until my card got declined as no funds left, then the guilt and depression would set in.

Over the last two weeks i have had urges to gamble but have managed to stay strong and resist no matter how hard it has tested me. Urges pass if you put your mind to doing other activities, remove yourself from the temptation. I do bits around the house, do things with the kids, phone a friend or even go for a run amongst others. At the end of each day, I praise myself for staying strong and achieving things during the day instead of wasting my life away.

Take one day at a time Jo. I have self excluded from as many sites as I can remember joining, installed k9 protection like Joanna has mentioned, joined the 2014 challenge on here, started a diary on here and also been referred for counselling through Breakeven. (recommended by gamcare support) I am determined to change and live my life gamble free and that's what will keep me fighting.

Good luck Jo. Always remember you are not alone and if you ever want to talk just shout. Take care.

Hayley xx

I'm so angry with myself - I just really can't stop. Granted the losses aren't as big but they are still losses.

I just can't seem to stop myself.

Every time I get bad news or something isn't going to plan the first thing that I do is gamble and then make the situation worse.

I'm going away in a couple of weeks and really hope that this will be the turning point!!!

Hi, i tried k9 but as youre the one that sets the password it's so easy to remove.

I have however had a bit of a turning point - I read a really inspirational message on the site and it really strook a cord with me.

I somehow feel determined. I've set up an online saving account and every urge I've had, I've put 10 in which is the amount I would gamble with. So far today I've saved 20 and seeing that actual cash in black and white has made me realise what a pathetic habit this is.

Hopefully this will spur me on and I can start sorting my debts out with the money saved.

For now I'll keep reading the forums as they really are inspiring and I hope that one day my story will be one of success too.