I can only tell you what I did to stop gambling. I can’t tell you what to do – you have lived with this for long enough.
I decided I NEEDED to put as much energy into my recovery as I did into my gambling. When I started to waver I remembered this.
I reached out, GA, counselling, self-help groups – I tried all sorts even acupuncture and hypnotherapy.
I avoided people and places linked to my gambling. I even moved town and changed jobs.
I made sure I kept busy – I worked evenings and took courses at weekends so I had no time or energy to gamble.
I started to think of gambling as my allergy that might kill me if I succumb. I said NO to any and all events that might lead to a gamble – no matter how tempting.
I’m not saying this was a quick fix, it took me over a decade from admitting to having a problem to staying stopped. I’m now retired, travelling the world and am here to give hope and encouragement to others with this problem.
I hope you can sit down and work out how to make a gamble free life for yourself. What are YOUR triggers and how can you take them out. Make a new life for yourself and your family. I wish you well.