Without gambling it’s a struggle but want to beat it

Hi Bear40 

Well done for managing to stay gamble free for 3 weeks I trust you are feeling the benefits by now. 

A lot of problem gamblers finding that checking into this forum and reading other peoples experiences regularly, helps keep it fresh in their mind why they decided to stop gambling. You seemed to have taken many positive steps with self-excluding yourself from various channels and you may also find that your bank can block gambling transactions if you give them a call as many of them now offer this feature. 

If you have not done so already we would recommend that you sign up for both  https://www.gamstop.co.uk/ & https://gamban.com/ for added online gambling protection. Many recovering problem gamblers also try to re-connect with past hobbies along with seeking out new activities to fill in their newly found spare time which their  problem gambling recovery has now thankfully created. 

Be sure to keep posting future updates on here so we know how you are getting on and feel free to contact us via our 24/7 netline service or freephone: 0808 8020 133 if you require additional support from both us and our treatment partners. 

Kind Regards 

Tom 

Forum Admin 

Posted by: Bear40

hi I have been gambling for 25 years I have had some big wins but also some very bad days 3 weeks ago I hit rock bottom and decided to get in touch for help and I haven’t had a bet on anything in 3 weeks.      

My gambling would start with little bets for me off £x and £x bets as a bit of fun then before we knew was xx down. 

And 3 weeks ago I found myself having massive bets on things I am not even interested in to try and win my money back and it didn’t work in the last 3 weeks since I had a bet I have saved £xx and found myself spending more time with my family and I have ditched a couple of bad influences on my life in terms of gambling,

i still get the urges and still like to pick the horses and football coupons out without having any money on them but this weekend I couldn’t even be bothered to do that I have banned myself off every betting account there is and won’t use the bookies in my town so fingers crossed I can beat this addiction once and for all sorry for long first topic but just wanted to share my story,

Hi Bear,

Good to see you on the weekly check in.

Like you I have had half a lifetime or more of gambling - mostly out of control. It's pretty much trashed my finances, meant I have missed a large part of family life and wrecked my education, career and ambitions.

I have attempted to stop countless times (I first attended gamblers anonymous in 1988) but this is the first time I have even come close to making it stick. It's still hard on a daily basis. Some months it feels easy, but even 15 months in, I have some weeks when it feels like the early days.

Like you I self excluded on individual accounts (many times), usually for 6 months. The trouble is, you can open another account, or the 6 months expires and I was back on it.

The best advice I had on here ? Sign up to gamstop and do so for 5 years.

https://www.gamstop.co.uk/

Without this I know I wouldn't have lasted this long. There are still days when I just get the urge to have a few hundred quid on a horse, any horse.

Please also try and avoid 'picking horse or footie teams without having money on them'.

It will be fatal in the long run. You will pretty soon start thinking "look what I could have won".

Some people give up sport altogether as it was entrenched with their gambling.

I was never one for having much of bet on footie so I still watch it, but I wouldn't trust myself to go to the races. And why would I follow the horses if I'm never going to bet again ?

It's early days but really you have to change your whole life (ditching friends who where a bad influence on you is a massive step). 

Keep coming on here and keep posting.

Thanks Ks2 for the advice I am banned myself off all sites for 5 years I find weekends hardest with a lot of sport on but trying to keep busy with different things and not carry money or bank cards around with me when on my own 

Hi Bear40 and Welcome.

You are here and that is the result of gambling for countless people. As You are now realising its no income scheme and not a get it back later scheme.

When addicted its moved long past any form of control. Its simply money being wasted to get your fix. You are well aware that nobody has ever offered you life changing odds on the only four legged horse or Man U vs the grannies 11. Sounds stupidly obvious that but gamblers are blinded by feeling lucky, a need to be lucky or chasing massive lifetime losses

Its beyond money for most if not all addicted gamblers. The chemical urge to play is the strongest factor which alters minds into an ill state.

I would reverse your title to reflect the truth. WITH gambling its a struggle but your life will get better when you are gamble free.

Gambling is not the answer to what you seek. The answer is inside you. The horrendously long odds that would change your life are a pipe dream for 99.99% of people thats the hook...the tax on hope...the mugs game

You need to face the reality of gambling and what they hooked you on.

Openness and honesty are your saviours...write down what gambling has really done to you and tell your loved ones.

How can I get through. This is no silly game about a flutter. Lets not beat about the bush. This addiction kills people!

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Just like to thank everyone on here this is really helping I have had good runs before but think with the exclusion of all accounts and the help of this site this could be the best chance I have ever had off stopping 

Hi there... you mentioned time with family. 

Its funny, because I used to think I gambled so I could give a better life to my family. Little did I know, the addiction was depriving us of exactly that. 

I’d also have a think about not picking out bets (even if you won’t place them anyway). Seems a little bit risky to me.

Well done so far. Keep it up. 

Just posting a update I have not looked at the horses all week and couldn’t even tell you where they are racing at this weekend and I haven’t picked my footy bets out either I have kept myself busy and even ditched the morning paper nearly up to 4 weeks without a bet and even managed to pay a quarter of my debt of with money I have saved 

Hi Bear,

I remember March 2019 1st Cheltenham i wasn't part of ( for 40 years at least ). I can only say there was nothing easy or painless turning the other cheek and not being part of the hype. Now i'm through that pain barrier i've no idea what might win Champion Hurdle or Gold Cup and honestly don't give a d**n. I can still remember the TV pictures after the last televised race and so much litter. Cardboard plates, plastic beer glasses and of course millions of losing betting slips.

Best Wishes

AL