Some of your comments really spoke to me of my situation when I was gambling. The earning good money but driving a wreck of a car. Co-workers wondering how someone on a good salary can’t afford decent clothes or a good haircut. Holding down a full time job and then working in the evening, just to keep my head above water. Coming home to an empty place because a) I am too busy working to meet anyone b) I can’t afford to entertain anyway c) who would want to be with a depressed gambler …

That was me 20 years ago – I am in a very different place today.

So what must you do:

Firstly – if you are having suicidal thoughts – speak to someone. There will probably be a helpline locally through Befrienders International or the Samaritans.

Secondly – As Running Girl has said – bar yourself from the places where you gamble. Cut off your access to money except for essentials – make it as difficult as possible to gamble.

Thirdly – you said you came to this site before but didn’t take it seriously. DO SO THIS TIME. Treat stopping gambling as a life or death situation – you had suicidal thoughts! You are not happy with your life – it can be changed, it doesn’t need to end. I read somewhere that a lot of people who attempt suicide are trying to end the life they are living … not their total future.

So start putting as much energy into your recovery as you can. There are loads of resources here – check out the groups, one-to-one, other forum posts. Connect with self-help groups locally – usually GA but there may be others. Find self-help groups which generally help with problems (not just gambling) this might be co-counseling, gestalt groups, CBT (there is a SMART online group which some on here have found useful,) Mindfulness. Speak to a medical practitioner to see if there is counseling available in your area.

There is a wealth of support out there for you – make use of it. I wish you well.

Your story sounds too similar to mine and every other compulsive gamblers on here. And I am here for you. Trust me i know sometimes it is hopeless and right now I am in your same shoes. Last Sunday my life was great again. Gamble free for over 2 months. Until I had free time Monday. Went to casino lost 3k. Called bank to increase limit to 6k. Lot 6 l. Drive back to bank to see teller , withdraw 4k. Go back to casino lose break even almost to down 1k for the day, wasn’t god enough, lose it all. 10k on the day, go back next day, -13k, chase that and today I sit down -18k in 4 trips. Maxed out line of credit, overdraft in cheqing. It hard for me to eat, sleep, go to work, and trust me when I tel
You
This story is because you are not a lone: we are all fighting the same battle. Trust me also every time you relapse will e worse. I never thought I could lose 18k in a couple of days. And feel numb. I went to GA two tomes this week. It helped me to see other stories, people age 50-60- I’m 29. They lost everything . Houses, cars, families, millions, businesses, didn’t get to see their kids grow , watched their businesses crumble. But most of all lost out most of their life to
This demon. People on here used to tell
Me it a bottomless pit, and I never knew why because evertime I gambled it was always my
Money and never credit, and I would always recoup
My losses. But now I see, it can get so bad. Please don’t let it get as bad as I did this week. I wish I could go back to when I was just down -4k. Now -18 with not a penny to my name and debt I’ll have to slowly
Pay. Please go to meetings. It’s hard: it’s emotional . But it will help if you want it to. I’m praying
For you, for myself and for all others on here. This is my day 3 gamble free. Let’s do this

Hello 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!

Tyguy how are things with you. Please do keep posting