[matt w]

My name is Matt I have been a compulsive person since I was a small child.
How do I know this?
Well on the 21st of July 2008 I got to question 20 of the Ga list of questions regarding self-harm, I had just reached an all-time low for me– having to admit that I had stolen money from the club that I ran and that there was no way I could pay it back. MY own personal rock bottom.
During my "shares" in Ga meetings and( reflection on my life during counselling skills practice) I have had a problem with compulsive gambling since first putting sixpence pieces in slot machines in my parents pub in the late 60’s and running off to the arcades on beach holidays( not just with my own pocket money). Other behaviour also showed that from teen to 40 something be it gambling or other deviations I have an addictive part of my make-up.
I had been in and out of Ga for 18 years but had never really got into my recovery with any conviction at this all-time low I phoned a fellowship member whose question to me was " Have you finally had enough?" and for the first time in my life I answered truthfully "yes".
At this stage I have been totally abstinent since that day and follow some, if not all of the Ga 12 step program but know if my life is to improve further I need to do more, and to journey towards goals that are set by me and are achievable.
Following a conviction for breach of trust I have found work very difficult to come by and spiralled into a deep funk.
I gained a maths GCSE on probation training, and then looked what to do next, so in tandem with my Ga recovery I took a Counselling skills course to see if I could cope with further education at the age of 47.
On 19th Jan I start a degree course– so I hope so.
I have found this website while doing some research and hope it will benefit me and others I might meet.
My Uni lecture day is on my normal Ga meeting day– a big clash and potential danger for me.
Well my Journey has been bumpy till now and I don’t expect smooth running all the way– but my shock absorbers are in better condition now I have taken Gambling out of my fuel tank.
Stay lucky.
Matt W
 
 
Stay lucky/be lucky

[jayson]

Hi Matt, and thankyou for sharing,
Finally had enough, my own thought on this are based around 2 words "want" and "desire". To want to stop in my view tends to revolve around stopping for someone else, maybe an ultimation from a partner or family members, like myself. I was going to GA for them, it wasnt till i went for myself things got better, not perfect, but progress.
When we have the "Desire" to stop we will do anything on all acounts to suceed, that for me is the "I’ve had enough" stage.
I wish you all the best in your new venture in your degree and wish you every success,Keep posting here and keep us all updated how its going……..and ive noticed recently you can put pictures on the forum posts, so hey WHEN you get your degree i think an appropriate picture would be yourself throwing your hat up in the air !! (If they still do that lol )
Take care for now,
JayJay x
 To think is a thought, To do is an action.

[Dunc]

 
Hi Matt, A Warm Welcome to Gambling Therapy
Having found us you have also found a diverse community who can help and support you on your recovery journey.
Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment and by reading others stories am sure you will see that you are very much not alone in this addiction
Please click here to see our services page, feel free to use all that this site can offer…
To chat with others in real time you may wish to make use of the support groups, the ***** of these groups are advertised under "What’s on and When" or click here to see the weekly group schedule.
For one to one chat you may want to try the live advice helpline. Click "connect" when these options become available.
Also to say when you registered we would have sent you an email with an attachment, this attachment will help you navigate the site and find the support you so rightly deserve, alternatively this guide can be downloaded by clicking here.  
Take Care
HarryWatch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

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