Hello Debbie 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!

Hello Debbie and welcome to the forums.

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with this terrible addiction. As a fellow addict who has lost tens of thousands gambling, I can truly sympathize with your daily struggles mentally and financially.

I know this might sound like a cliche, but If you truly want to overcome the addiction, you really have to completely quit cold turkey and probably seek help If you can’t do it yourself. There really is no other way to recovery besides quitting completely. Most of us CG:s know and realize that, but the addiction is so strong and fighting the urge takes real mental discipline.

For myself at least it feels like the hardest part isn’t quitting gambling itself but to mentally accept the money I lost to it. I have tried to chase my losses, only to find myself losing every bit of money, even If I eventually happen to win 2k, 4k, or even 11k. Nothing is enough for the compulsive gambler.

My last bet was under 24h ago, so I might not be the best spokesperson on the subject of time eventually healing wounds, but I understand the theory behind it and believe the losses get less bitter as each day passes. Good example is Justyn Larcombe, who managed to lose almost a million at one point of his life only to recover fully from the addiction and is now completely debt free and living a good life.

You should also set yourself some positive goals outside of gambling (and money), like exercising and managing relationships. Those things cannot be bought with money.

I wish you the best of luck in road to recovery and hope that you write again soon!

Hi Debbie
Jonas has given you a terrific reply and I too hope you will keep posting because recovery is tough but not impossible. I wouldn’t be here writing to you if I didn’t know that the addiction to gamble can be controlled and you can have the ability to treat your partner to many meals and buy loads of bunches of flowers for your mum.
Compulsive gambling is an addiction that creeps up on you without you realising it until it is too late but the good news is that recovery is never too late and you have made a big step in the right direction by posting here.
Recognising that you cannot gamble responsibly is important to you, as is taking responsibility for your debt.
You can be the person you want to be but it will take courage and determination on your part – I am positive that you have the courage even if it will feel sometimes that it has deserted you.
Please use our groups, our Helpline and this forum for as long as you want to do so. Maybe you could look at going to a GA meeting; many people find that physically sharing with others is really helpful. Take all the support you can get and maybe tell you mum what you are doing. If she would like support for herself then she is very welcome in our F&F forum or in our F&F groups.
You can do it Debbie. I look forward to reading your progress.
Velvet

Hi Debbie
Well done on seeking help .
I have never been addicted to sports betting but maybe you do need to give up on it for a while . Perhaps in time sport will not be so closely connected to gambling for you .

Do you gamble online- I have found having gambling blockers on my internet devices have saved me a fortune – I use betfilter but there are free ones (like netnanny) which would tide you over until you get money to buy a proper gambling specific blocker.
Gambling currently costs me around a tenner a month (I think) for the blocker . It’s saving me thousands .

I hope this helps Debbie – could I also recommend The group chats on Mondays and Thursdays. I find them really helpful.

Keep strong and keep posting – you can do this and you deserve this

Hi Debbie
Well done on not gambling .
Day three is really great – those first days are the hardest .
You could try free blocking apps to tide you over until you get money – netnanny is one- I used it in the past but it let some sites through its filters – still it is better than nothing.

Well done on reisiting temptation Debbie – and you are so right – once we become addicted we lose all winnings anyway .