Hi everyone
I would like to open up a topic discussion on one of the biggest questions in recovery. When, if and who do we come clean to about or addiction.
This is a really tricky topic as I see it. This great community has populated the site with their own experiences and worries about telling people. Everyones journey is unique to them. After reading 1000s of posts, the general consensus was like my experience, very worried about doing it but I was surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought. The support from family was amazing. That doesn't underestimate the harm I've caused but I realised that in day one I simply couldn't lie anymore or keep anything to myself. I made the decision that I couldn't live like that and if the person I told was who I truly thought they were then it would be ok. Some have taken time to understand in some way and support and some haven't at all.
I would love to hear everyone's stories on here as to who you have told and how it has gone. Anyone who hasn't told yet and background and if course a mix
Stuart,
It is difficult to be open and tell loved ones what happened to us about this gambling disease. . After nearly five months gf with relapse I finally told my husband how much i lost to the amusement casino several days ago. Even though I have lost my own saving money not from our joint account, I know that doesn't justify what I did. He knows I played slot machines occasionally but has always believed I was an extremely disciplined person. He thought I would have stopped gambling at the right point if any hint of issues arise. I must say I have hidden my sadness quite well whenever Ilost from gambling.
Anyway, he sounded very calm verbally but did reassure me I would not get those financial loss back from gambling which I have already known well. He told me to let him help me and encouraged me to have some new hobbies . These several days whenever we past by another amusement in another bigger town when we went shopping he would remind me better not go in even just to play 2p pushers.
I still haven't told my sisters from Hong Kong my gambling loss. They know I am not very happy and have stopped playing totally at the amusement that I used since 1997 when I first started holiday before I permanently live here. I don't really wish to tell them as they have lots to sort out from my diabetic brother already . I guess that's all I would do to be open about my gambling issue to the people who are closed to me. I come on chatrooms and have talked to Gamcare advisors a lot to ease off my psychological burden and that really help me to get by.
Life moves on with or without gambling. But there is no comparison between the choices.-- definitely no gambling.
Hi Ann
Thank you for your share. That must have been very brave of you to tell your husband. His support also sounds incredible and supportive unconditionally. Does he gamble at all ?
it does say in GA not to harm people further so I totally understand the situation in Hong Kong
My family and some of my friends knew although not necessarily the extent of my losses and those didn't change towards me. However I don't have partner and kids so whatever I lost was mine and while I have always been in debt up to £30k I managed to keep a roof over my head. Last week I spent £300 of my friends money and it has given me the wake up call I needed after around 30 years and joined GAMSTOP. Today I told Facebook and so far the support is overwhelming. #2026istheyear
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