Hi to everyone - I'm Luke, and I have had a gambling problem for many years. I have on occasion put myself (and in turn wife and kids) in some close calls when it comes to paying bills, though luckily I never fell behind. For years, I've never had any money in my pocket, and just barely scraped through, buying just the essentials.
Well. I am proud to say that on 31st Dec 2020, I made the decision (again) to quit for good. I have tried in the past, only to start again within a few days, however, I don't know why but with the 'fresh start' falling on the first day of the year - my New Year resolution - it just seems to have clicked.
I'm not going to lie - I have had some urges... real urges, but right now, the feeling of letting myself (and family) down seems to be worse than not gambling.
For the first time in my life - I have seen my bank balance level off... heck, it's even in the positive. I've been able to buy things that I would never have in the past, nothing crazy, but me and the wife are looking at doing up the garden for the kids to have somewhere to play this spring. I have a new mobile phone!
I have taken on an allotment with the aim of providing a distraction, something that helps make me and the wallet more healthy.
I know there will be times when the urges come back. These dark nights with sod all on TV really don't help, but I'm feeling like I am in a really good place at the moment - the urges are already becoming less strong, and less frequent. I already feel like I am prepared for the next urge. I know where it will lead - back to £0 in the bank... no... worse.
I don't really know what has prompted me to sign up here and talk about this. Please don't consider this to be me showboating, I know all too well how easy it is to slip back, and I can hardly claim I've conquered Everest - it's been 15 days for crying out loud. I suppose I am seeking reassurance from others with similar experience? Am I living in cloud cuckoo land and all of this will come tumbling down around me soon? I'd love to know how things might progress if (no... when) I reach 1 month free of gambling? Will I get complacent?
Thank you for taking the time to read about my situation.
Luke
Welcome to the Forum Luke,
Firstly can I congratulate you on the 15 days gamble free. It is great to hear that for the first time in your life that you have seen your bank balance level off and you are looking at all the things you will be able to buy, with the extra money you have coming in now you’re not gambling. I love your new venture with the allotment and look forward to hearing your updates as you start growing things. There is something really special about getting to eat food you have grown.
It’s also really good to hear you awareness about the urges coming back and being prepared for those times. With this in mind I was wondering whether you’ve self-excluded or put any blocks in place for a bit of extra protection?
As well as receiving peer support here, I wonder if you’ve considered speaking to an adviser too for some extra support for you? I know they’d love to hear more about your situation and see if there is any extra support we could provide. You can talk to one on either our HelpLine on 0808 8020 133 or via our NetLine. They’d also be able to talk you through various options of 1 to 1 support if you’d find that beneficial too?
We look forward to more of your posts, so we’re delighted that you were prompted to sign up and share.
Kind regards
ChrisK
Forum Admin
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