Hello Idrigu 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!

The question I would ask you is, deep down do you really want to stop gambling? Or do you just want to stop the negative fall out?

So many of us hit the same bottoms. I say bottoms because just when you think you have hit your lowest point, continuing to gamble just brings a new low point.

I tried stopping by myself so many times that I lost *****. And each time I started gambling again (after a few days, maybe a week, sometimes even months) I would sink lower than I had before.

I know the deep shame that comes from admitting this to people we love. We feel we should have been able to stop before now. And to lose respect feels terrible. I’m not saying to confess to all you know. But to have one person who loves you in your corner and helping with finances can be the best barrier to gambling.

There are other barriers you can put in place. I’m not sure where you are but can you ban from the online sites you use? Close ac*****s. Transfer money needed for long term bills to an ac***** you can’t access without a lot of notice. Cancel credit card ac*****s. Also, use supports, gamblers anonymous, counseling, this site.

Are you still in school? Can the university provide you with mental health services? Gambling addiction is considered a health issue in most western *****ries. What about emergency financial assistance from the University?

Please think long and hard about protecting yourself. This addiction has a way of making us forget our past mistakes and repeating them over and over with worsening consequences.

Well done on posting here. This addiction can be stopped. You can have a good life. Please don’t do anything rash.
take care of yourself.
Laura

I believe our secrets keep us sick.
Being accountable is a major barrier.
Laura has given you some good advice to keep yourself safe.
This addiction will just keep growing if you let it.
I hope you find the courage to tackle it head on. It isn’t easy, but you can live a gamble free life.
Love K xxx