Today I sat in work after a day of losses feeling low and empty, I have come to the realisation that I have a problem, an compulsion to gamble, an addiction. After spending all but a fraction of this month's wages within a week of being paid, I have realised enough is enough.
I believe that one of the reasons have for gambling is Tryng to mask/over look my mind as I suffer from anxiety, when I gamble, whether I win or lose, my anxiety is nulled in my mind. I am by no means using this as an excuse, it's just one of a number of things.
I haven't got a plan yet, all I know is that I need to change and for the better. I don't want to live like this anymore.
Hello Curled web
Welcome to the forum.
Anxiety seems common here, something I struggle with myself.
If you call the GamCare helpline they will be able to help you with advice and can provide counselling to help you better understand why you gamble. It's good you recognise the need to learn more about yourself and addiction.
You can use blocking software, self-exclude or hand over finances to put barriers in place to help you stop gambling.
On here you can read, learn from others, go in the chatroom, join a challenge to help keep you in check (visit 'overcoming gambling addiction' part of the forum).
Well done for seeking help.
Glint
Hello Curled Web
I am someone who suffers from anxiety and I think that is one of the many reasons why I have become a compulsive gambler.
My advice to you would be to get yourself in and amongst this amazing forum. Read peoples diaries, start your own diary and make yourself an integral member of the forum. There are some great success stories on here where people such as ourselves have dug themselves out of this mess and are now living a more fulfilling life.
There are some good challenges to take part in, over on the ‘Overcoming gambling’ section. I find this keeps me motivated and makes me feel like part of a team in this journey.
As Glint says above, you can call GamCare and they can help you to arrange some counselling to discuss more about your anxiety and maybe get to the root of why you gamble.
The most effective barrier to put in place seems to be telling a family member or a loved one about your addiction and letting them help you to look after your finances.
Good luck in your journey mate.
I’d love to see you in the Guru challenge.
Thank you both for replying, I am not quite ready to tell my family yet, I would rather speak to a councillor first and my gp is where I am going to turn, I have been offered cbt for my anxiety previously but turned it down. I will not be doing that again.
Day 1 gf:
It's only 15:30 but I feel rather fresh today. I actually feel like I don't want to go on the slots for once. That may change over the course of the day but I am determined not to. Let's see how the rest of the day goes.
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