Hey guys, sorry if this is long and boring just really feel I need to let it all over. I'm a married 32 year old and father of 2 beautiful girls, I started gambling 22 years ago at the age of 10, I would go in the bookies with my dad on a Saturday and do a little football bet then I would play 10p odd and evens in school. Before I knew it I was 18 and getting wages every week just done a £5 football bet on a Saturday, then it went to Saturday and Sunday then I got interested in the horses and greyhounds, then I started loving going the casino and now here I am where every single bit of money I have a gamble with and if I cant put a bet on I'm a right moody so and so. Dont get me wrong the bills are always paid and my daughters never want for anything but I could certainly spend more on them instead of going the bookies every single day then once my bets go down I log into my online account and start on the in play stuff. My wife who I've been with since we was 18 has always known I "liked a flutter" but she didnt know how much I was betting until I finally told her yesterday, she was supportive and happy I want to make a change. My last bets was 1st January 2020, today was hard with all the football but I spent the day in the park with my kids and left my phone at home so I couldn't go online and have a bet but I know I cant always do that, I know this is the right thing to do and I really want to its just so hard already. Anyway thanks for reading those of you who didn't fall asleep halfway through lol
Dear @time_for_change,
Thank you for taking the time to post on The Forum and sharing your situation. Well done on making the decision to stop gambling. We under stand how hard this process can be so I would encourage you to get in contact on the helpline 0808 8020 133 or come through on the live chat function to see how we can support you further.
We look forward to hearing from you,
All the best
John
Forum Admin
Good time to take such a decision. Because your alternatives are not good if you continue. You will find countless examples of people who did not stop and lost everything they had including family and that would be tragic.
Gambling is an impulse control disorder. We place a bet even when we shouldn't and we do not care about the consequence of that bet. Great if we win and "where do I get more money " if you lose. In fact, any wins would just be more fuel to keep the wheels turning further with more placed bets and more wins or losses etc. So once the mind gets that part the issue is more about how that habit can be changed to do something else. You need to keep a check on yourself as a spectator. You will need to talk to people who can give you some "Aha" moments that you can use to help you when you are down. It is hard in the beginning but it gets easier with time and the rewards are that you get your life back from being a hostage to the bookies and that is priceless.
Good luck in your recovery!
TFC,
Welcome to the forum.
I started gambling on football and eventually added roulette on FOBTs and at casino. No doubt back at the start I loved to gamble and to win money but I ruined that. Eventually lost all control. Wouldn’t/couldnt walk away until all was lost. Debt mounted and snow balled and the cycle worsened where bets amounts increased and mental capabilities decreased to the point as soon as I started gambling I became incredibly anxious and knew I was in trouble. Life became turmoil.
I cannot gamble. I must accept this.
100 days off a bet and my life is so much better. I know without doubt I will have far more money in my bank a year off a bet than a year on it.
Make the decision to stop. Notice the peace and calm that will come into your life. Notice how your moods improve, notice how much more time you devote to your family. I could go on all day but the benefits of not gambling are endless.
Like most things, it is harder at the beginning and gets progressively easier. Be aware of this. To quit you will change a long lasting behaviour and it takes discipline and resilience but when you get there you will be happier than ever before. Trust me.
RR
Thanks guys, it was hard today not doing a bet with so much football but just looking at the results I know I would of lost. It feels good feeling money in my pocket instead of feeling betting slips in there. Another day bet free. Taking one day at a time
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