So... I thought I would give this ago, even if nobody reads it, it's for me. So my story is, I'm in my early twenties hard working, confident positive girl who enjoys her life apart from one aspect, so about a year and a half ago I started gambling, just a little bingo here and there, and then I discovered the online slots and this is where my downfall started, I've been compulsive gambling for little over a year and now it's time to change. My boyfriend of so many years confronted me about my gambling around 8 months ago and told me I needed to stop for the sake of our relationship, and I did for a little while, but not for long. Low and behold a few nights ago he confronted me and I came clean, and he broke up with me (completely understand this is my own fault) so this sparked something within me to change, I've blocked and self excluded all sites I used, I've contacted a counselor and I'm waiting to here back about an appointment and tonight I tell my mum, everything. I feel so anxious/nervous/ashamed/broken but overal positive, I keep thinking about me in a months time, how happy and gamble-free I shall be, I just want to become a good person again, no secrets, be able to spend my hard earned money on myself and be happy and not feel trapped within this, i understand I can't do this alone and need to speak up and accept the love and support of the people around me. So yeh, that's me, let's kick this habit, I'm a strong person and I can do this I know I can.
Just like myself I am very early 20s and have the same problem as you. I am 5 days without a bet and already feel much better. Take one day as you come, for me I set my morning alarms and write how many gambling free days I am so when I stop my alarm I can be happy about what I have achieved and make sure I go another gamble free day!
we have our whole lives together let's not ruin it! Telling your family is the hardest part, but once they're on your side it's brilliant. For me, my mum and 3 sisters sat me down and confronted me because of the countless letters I had received in which she chose to open one which was to increase my overdraft to 10000. 4 years later, I am a homeowner. I still relapse occasionally but gamble free lifestyles are most certainly the best!!!
Wow, you've done so well!, but yes your right family is the hardest part, I'm so nervous and scared of how my mum may react but I know she loves me, I am wondering how I'm going to start the conversation! We're your family supportive of you? Did it help you them knowing?
Welcome gem! Glad to hear your in a more positive frame of mind and taking steps to beat this addiction. Your still young and have your whole life ahead of you so this can just be a blip 🙂 I think the important thing is to do what your doing and commit to the process like your doing. Best of luck telling your mum,I'm sure there will be a few tears shed but when the dust settles I'm sure she'll be fine she just wants the best for you as does your bf. I wish you all the best in your recovery! One day at a time 🙂
My family were so supportive, they sent me to gamblers anonymous and that really helped also. She set up blocks on all the computers in the house and took my card and gave me the cash I needed to get by. It's definitely better out in the open! You will feel a massive weight off your shoulders. Fingers crossed for you I'm praying it goes well! Update us later
Hopefully it goes well, she's just got back from work so after dinner I shall speak to her, I'm just so ashamed
Hi and welcome to the forum.
She may have questions which are difficult to answer but be 100% truthful and try to stay calm.
When i confessed i felt so bad and ashamed but made several promises at that time which to date I have kept and not broken.
"Confessing" all also draws a line in the sand and.allows (with support) the opportunity for you all to move forward.
One day at a time is how you manage things. Today i (or you) will not gamble.
Sending positive vibes and best wishes
I wish you well it's not easy but in my opinion it is necessary. It makes you accountable to someone. Like bal said be honest and open not point keeping anything back it will only come out in the end and then any trust you have built back up is lost.
Your mum will be upset and angry but that will pass. Keel us updated Gem and keep reading on here and sharing it does help.
KTF
Okay so, I told my mum and step dad and they were great, so supportive and caring, when I get paid each month I'm gunna transfer my money into their account and leave the money for my direct debits, they didn't shout or scoled me they were amazing, I feel so much better and they know I'm getting the help. My boyfriend (ex) however has gone back to his parents, and tbh I think it's for the best for now, I need time to focus on me and he needs his space, which I understand. I have such a loving family and I feel blessed. I'm not in debt of any kind, I have paid back what I owe and I feel quite relived, telling them was the best decision I've made.
Yeeeeeaaaah! Well done but remember to follow through with everything. This is an ongoing process but you've came so far already well done. Apply yourself and you'll be fine.
Well done that's awesome! I wish you thenbest
Well done
Thankyou! I feel a little better, now time to focus on me and then hopefully re-building my realationship, but if it can't be saved then what's done is done, worst things happen to people than being broken up with, the support on here as been a massive help, and I shall continue to post my recovery through every low and high
So diary, Although today I'm feeling much better, I still have that pit of the stomach feeling. Or it could be the fact I haven't eaten a meal of any sort in about 4 days, but I just have had no apatite, I suppose it's all still quite raw. But I've woken up this morning with no urges, the thought actually makes me feel quite ill. Let's see what today brings, I've gotta do some tidying and going to spend some time with my mum which is lovely, still no sound from the (ex) boyfriend so shall wait and see. Onwards and upwards one day at a time!
Well done for admitting everything. I was in the same boat when I told my mum. She was great and she has always been there for me. My gf has all but left me so I know the pain you are going through there. It makes me want to gamble to just take the edge off how I feel but I also know the only way of getting her back in my life is to not cave in and prove I can beat this. We can beat this illness together. Tom
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