Hi all. Without going into too much detail as it’s took me 2 weeks to even set a profile up i just want to introduce my self. I’m a 30 year old autistic single mum of one, to a little boy who also has autism and learning delays. I say little , he’s now 8 so not so little ? and for the whole of his life and the couple of years before i had him i’ve gambled. The last few years as my earnings have increased so has my gambling. I have wasted thousands and thousands and the thought makes me sick. I’ve had big wins in the past, but as do most gamblers i’ve either lost all and more before taking off, or if i’ve got as far as withdrawing i’ve then lost in the coming days. I have a couple of family members who i know also have gambling addictions and i’d be the first to try and advice against so i’m unsure as to why i’ve done and continue to do it for so long. 2 weeks ago i told my self i will no longer be gambling and so far i haven’t, although the last day or so the thoughts have crossed my mind which is why i’ve finally set up an account on here to see if it helps. I’ve blocked my bank card from gambling transactions, i’m registered on gamban and have downloaded gam block on my phone, trying to put all the stops i possibly can in, does anyone have any more tips? I’ve never stepped inside a bookies in my life and don’t plan on it either, it’s all done online. I really don’t want to go to any of the gambling anonymous meetings, i’m sure they do help but i suffer terrible anxiety aswell as been autistic and the thought of speaking to strangers face to face about my problems sends me into a panic. Sorry for rambling, if anyone has actually even read this ? i’m aware most of this will probably be me talking to myself but it feels helpful at the minute either way 🙂 here’s to making it another day gamble free…small targets.
Well done on taking the first steps in trying to beat this. Don't underestimate the importance of those first steps in trying tl achieve your goal - i dont have any magic answers but from personal experience try to not focus on what's gone but control what you can now and make sure it doesnt happen again. Do you have someone who can help look after your money to remove the temptation? I'm on day 302 now and use my kids as my main motivation, i still have temptation but have a picture of them as my screensaver so i look at their faces when i try to look at odds and think do i want to put them through any of it again or would i rather spend money on them? I have the usual controls in place but its the impact on others that i am most keen to avoid. I am sure you would rather spend money on your little one than give it away, use that to help you on your way! I also downloaded a counter to track my gf days - found it really positive to each various milestones so would recommend
. Wishing you the very best of luck on your journey, well done on taking your 1st steps take each day at a time and you will start to feel the benefit.
Dear @needtochange23,
Thank you for sharing your story with us on the forum today and well done for being 2 weeks gamble free.
It is positive that you have spoken with family members about this and have also blocked gambling transactions and put GamBan in place.
I would also recommend GamStop too. GamStop is an online self exclusion tool which will self exclude any accounts you currently have open, as well as preventing you signing up to any further sites whilst excluded. This includes any sites which are licensed to be used in the UK. I will link their details below for you.
Our chatroom is also available to you and is a space where you can both support and be supported by other chat users going through similar things to yourself.
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/group-chatroom/
If you haven't already, I would also recommend getting in contact with us on our Helpline Tel: 0808 8020 133 or on our live chat, WhatsApp or Facebook chat. We can go through further support options such as a referral to speak with someone about your gambling to help you through this.
Please do continue to share your story with us on the forum today.
Kind Regards,
Forum Admin
George
Hi
Thank you for your honesty and openeing up.
Please stick with your recovery no matter how long it takes you are worth it.
In time you will heal your pains and live a much more productive life.
Regards Dave L
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
