[stade10]

Hello to this online community!

I have read some of the stories and it’s really helping me to process this. I think I’d really like to share my story with gambling too.

So I’m big on sport particularly rugby and football. When I was 16 my friends Dad put a bet on for me and I won 35 english pounds – a small fortune. What an incredible ride gambling has been. 17 years later I am in about 5000￡ of debt. Not an astronomical amount, but I just can’t stop trying to pay it off through gambling, which of course means I live with barely any money whatsoever month to month – I don’t benefit at all from all the hard work I do – my money just disappears down the drain.

I have had some incredible highs- paying off my student loan and various debts over the years. Two summers ago was particularly fruitful. Overall, I have no idea how much I have won and lost, but for a long time I was convincing myself it had definitely made me a lot of money. The hard truth is that I am now mid 30’s with absolutely no savings or wealth having been earning a good living for the last 10 years.

Then there’s the thinking time that I have devoted to it. The obsession that it creates. I have lost many relationships and perhaps gambling is the main reason. I abhore debt and I know I can gamble my way out of it like I have done in the past, but it’s really hurting me to be like this. I am constantly thinking about what would be a good bet. I don’t really watch sport in the same way at all – I’m just thinking about the opportunities.

I would love a life without this. But I’m finding it hard to make the right decision in those little moments when I think I can see a way of making money.

Any advice or comments welcome. That has really helped to write that.

Thanks for reading, I’d really appreciate even the smallest comment.

[i-did-it]

Hi Stade,
Well done on recognising that this is a problem and well done on seeking help.
I can only tell you what worked for me and that is cutting off all access to gambling – well in reality that is impossible – but I have a blocker on all my online devices like my phone etc -I use betfilter but there are other blockers.
I know of others who go and get themselves banned in their locals bookies.
After a while when ur brain realises you cannot gamble – you actually stop thinking about it so much .
For other people getting someone else to control their money has helped .
Addiction to gambling is a progressive disease so the debts will only get bigger – most of us have had amazing wins – the problem is that on the rare occasion we actually withdraw it only feeds the addiction.

Cut off access however you can-￡5000 isn’t so much and you can pay it off- you are still young- stop now and watch yourself build up a bit of wealth and happiness

[stade10]

What a wonderfully supportive comment. That’s really really helped. I believe in what you say. I’ve already cancelled bank cards, but that only works until the new one arrives. I will try the filters. Great idea.

Thankyou

[i-did-it]

Thank you Stade- for me I could carry a thousand pounds in my pocket and never think of gambling it – yet a card and unfiltered internet access are lethal for me !

Find where your weakness are and cut off their oxygen supply.
Keep posting !

[charles]

Hello Stade and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you ??

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[charles]

Hi Stade, well done on looking for help.

You have already had some good pointers.

If you want to know how to not gamble “…..in those little moments when I think I can see a way of making money. ” then the answer is to put thigns in place in moments like now, when you don’t want to gamble, then you will be less able to act on those urges when they return.

As others have suggested, get banned from whereever it is you gamble, make yourself accountable to someone for your money. Restrict your access to funds.

Most important of all use the support, this time you won’t be fighting the urges on your own, you will be posting regularly here, amybe getting to Gamblers Anonymous meetigns or other support as well.

Keep posting and let us know the positive steps that you are taking.

[Auteur]

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