Hi Harry and welcome to the forum. I think that is one of the big steps towards giving up this destructive addiction. Realizing that we have a problem and we can’t continue “just for fun”. Other’s may be able to gamble responsibly but for a compulsive gambler any little gamble usually leads us back to full blown chasing our losses. Having a “normal” life is quite possible. Having a better life is definitely possible. For many of us we had to get to a point of making some hard choices. In the beginning it can be difficult with lots of urges, or depending on how traumatic your realization is you sometimes face them later. In order to deal with urges and to help yourself get through a possible weak moment putting in place some accountability and barriers is usually very helpful. In the UK there is a new website that allows you to ban from all online gambling, not sure if that is where you are. I’m not so my familiarity with it ends there. But if in the UK I’m sure someone else will have some suggestions for you. An easy way to help is to have someone else control your finances. Having a small allowance for daily purchases while all other money earned goes into a family members bank account is helpful. I did that for a short period. Then when I felt I could handle money again I began keeeping receipts for all my purchases. My accountant mother had access to my bank accounts and audited me regularly for two years! But I asked for it. I wanted this crazy train ride to end. Over time gambling thoughts were less and less. Now I barely ever think of it unless here. And then it’s in a recovery context. Have you thought of trying a GA meeting? I attended meetings for 3 years or so regularly. It did help me to have that personal support. I also did addictions counseling for approximately 2 years. I guess if you really want to end this you throw whatever you can at it. Sorry for the long ramble! The short answers is YES you can beat this. Don’t give up, try try and try again.

Laura