New start , last chance , all in !!

Told my partner tonight I have a gambling problem, went well and she knows I want to quit.

She's not aware of the damage it's caused as I have not built up the courage to tell her that yet.

On the right tracks

Hi Escobar

Welcome back. I am also a returning member after relapsing and returning to the old game in May 2014. I am now almost a week without a bet and I feel much better with life. This is the right way to arrest the addiction and a step in the right direction regarding your financial situation. Like you I have created financial worry for myself but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel if I commit fully to recovery. It sounds as if your partner supports you and I'm sure that will not change if you are completely honest with her given that you have recognised the need to seek help and stop gambling altogether.

Keep posting so that you can get the support you need for when the urges strike. I'll keep in touch.

Myles

Hi Myles

Thanks for the message, I appreciate the support.

Just taking one day at a time , last two days have been dramatic by explaining my actions , I have told my mother today and she sort of guest I had a issue.

My reason for telling people is I know it will be harder to gamble around them, it will be harder to disappear and escape to gamble and also harder to explain where my money has gone. I am trying to put barriers everywhere to keep me from gambling...

Went to the gym this morning , trying to fill my days with fitness and dieting, hopefully make me feel better.

I hope your journey is going well and well done for recognising you have a issue but more importantly well done for doing something about it.. Keep your head up mate.

Speak soon

Day 3 ,

Not going to gamble today , I'm off to the gym now and then going out with my daughter.

Taking some small amount of money with me , leaving cards at home.

Taking control

Did not gamble, had a good day , having excluded myself from the betting shops has really helped as I know I can not go, makes things a lot more clear in my head when I have to think of other things to do.

Going well

Esobar. Good for you, I hope you can keep it up this week.

Can I ask, did you just bet in one bookies, or use a lot of different ones?

There are something like 100 bookies within 10 miles of my house (situated between 2 massive cities). So self exclusion is a real problem for me, when you can only name 6 stores on the form.

Thanks mate, I will do this week ... I'm finished with gambling.

Yeah it stopped me from going into a maximum of six shops , I suppose I'm lucky I just live in a small town, you city people have so much more temptation.

I guess it's purely down to your commitment to quitting , you could self exclude from the shops that are closest to you , but then go get another form from the shop you didn't get covered by and get them to block you from a further 6-7 shops , I have done it from all 4 main betting companies , so I'm now blocked from 24 shops around me , plus online accounts.

If you want to give up you will have to push yourself , it's a bit much I know but what's the alternative.

Also keep your cards at home when you go out , take enough money for what you need , again not always Ideal but it will save you in the long run .... Plus when you get home and you have not gambled and the money is still there you will feel awesome.

Keep strong , stay in control

Hi escobar,

You have made a great start. One of the winning recipes for gambling is time- money- location which you seem to have mastered.

Welcome to this forum, where I'm sure you'll find lots of help and support.

Take care

Irene

x

Thanks Irene ,

Appreciate the comments

No gambling today , day 4 ....

In control

well done on not gambling on day 4 im on day 21 of not gambling I had a relapse 21 days ago and spent 600 lost on roulette. hopefully I wont gamble anymore now but all I can do is take one day at a time.

well done Escobar,

weekends are difficult times- but you made it through. Even more difficult to tell your loved ones, so well done for that as well. Hope that you have a good week and keep going strong on your recovery journey

Stu

Thanks stop and stu ,

Yeah it is hard but feel I feel even though it's a small amount of time it is a achievement

Leaving cards at home this weekend and also paying extra to my debts so I don't have it to spend any way.

Thanks for the encouragement

Day 5 , no gambling ...

In control , pay day tomorrow and I am over paying debts and getting some stability and control over my finances