I am really struggling with this horrendous addiction.
I know what needs to be put in place to help me stop online slots gambling but I am finding it very difficult.
K9 does not work on android. Have had Gamblock before and it was a real pain, blocking harmless stuff.
I can't disclose to or seek support from my husband as he gambles himself. He says he is in control and, as you know, he wouldn't tell me if he wasn't. It is really hard as when we go out together he always plays the bandits. I am able to, mostly, resist these. I think it's because it is handling real money that keeps it in check. I also set a £50 daily withdrawal limit on my debit card years ago, which has probably been my saviour many times. It also only allows one withdrawal a day, whatever the amount so if I feel the urge I can withdraw £10 and know I can't get more. (As a cg I wouldn't be interested in gambling 'just £10').
Hubby has plenty of debts, which he has on 0% interest arrangements so you can understand why I cannot hand over control of my finances to him. In fact, I make sure all the bills are paid, which I would not trust him to do. ( I think, by now, that you can see that I believe that he is a cg. Thankfully he has restricted access to funds which keeps it under control, I hope).
I have no one else to ask support from. I have had my assessment for counselling and am waiting for them to get back to me with the weekly telephone sessions. I will ring them this week as it's been ages. Not sure if telephone counselling is going to work for me but anything's worth a try.
I self exclude from all the sites I know and then new ones pop up (this has been my recent downfall.
I am not making excuses. I really hate the fact that I cannot beat this. But it is very complicated.
I must stop this. I am very fearful of the future and, to be honest, at the moment I don't think that I will ever be able to beat this. I've failed too many times.
Just downloaded Qustodio (read about it on here), blocking app: doesn't work.
I have no inclination to gamble on my phone. It's too small and too much effort to see with my failing eyes, doesn't feel the same as on my android tablet. That's where the problem is. Can't seem to get blocking app that works on android. I thought of leaving my tablet in work. I can't use it there as there's no wifi Internet. I wish I had done it on Friday. Would have saved me losing £220 last night.
I hear you deano and probably know that I should get rid of the tablet but it was a gift from my hubby and he would be really upset and wonder why. It's also really hard to let go as I find it very useful. Just booked tickets to see Billy Elliott on it. Do all banking on it and all insurance and utilities are online.
I am torn; hate the fact that I have this internal conflict due to being unable to control the gambling.
Still not heard from the counselling. Will ring them again. They must have along waiting list which is sad to think how many people are suffering with this terrible, life destroying addiction.
If I didn't have my tablet I wouldn't be able to come on this site. I will investigate other blocker software. When I had Gamblock it stopped me looking at this site. Couldn't even search for 'gambling help'. It stopped everything with gambling in the search. Does anyone have advice on blocking software for android?
Parental controls on broadband ?
Works for me..x
Thanks Loxxie. Will look into that. X
Counselling been in touch. Hope to start soon.
Feeling hopeful.
Had my 1st telephone counselling session today. It was great to be able to talk freely with such an understanding person. Feeling positive that it will be helpful.
Good news it's good to get it all out. I that's the trick talk freely be honest don't hold anything back while it might get a bit painful and emotional at times in the long run it will be worth it.
KTF
Thanks KTF. I didn't think I would be able to feel comfortable enough with telephone counselling but the counsellor seems very experienced and skillful. I will make the most of the opportunity.
No gambling. Almost caved but blocks in place.
This addiction really messes with your head.
One minute I'm feeling really positive about the future and life without gambling, the next minute I'm feeling sad that I can't revisit my 'friend' and comfort blanket from the trials that life throws at us.
Also struggling with invasive gambling thoughts frequently.
Does this ever switch off? I hope so, it feels like emotional torment.
The counselling will help you identify your triggers & I guess lead you to healthier ways to deal with them & then I think the urges will ease! @ the moment, I suspect, you are still harbouring thoughts of being able to control it which is a tantamount to an open door! You say it's your 'friend' but how can something so destructive be considered a comfort blanket? It doesn't comfort, it distracts because when the money runs out all of the problems are still there along with some new ones! All the zillions of attempts I made to control myself were futile, accepting gambling was not a solution & drawing a line under my losses has really allowed me to move forwards with my life! It is a head bleep @ times but the times become less frequent!
Just keep enjoying the good & keep busy through the bad, life can get better - ODAAT
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