- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 6 years ago by .
-
Posts
-
-
I am new to the site and have been struggling with trying to break this gambling addiction for the last several months. I have been gambling for just over a year now and I can’t believe the hold it has got on me just in this short period. I didn’t realize how strong it was until a couple of weeks ago when I tried to make an honest stop at it and have been struggling. I know the negative consequences that gambling has had on my family and I want to stop, but I just can’t shake these thoughts. I too like you started with sports betting and it has progressed to online blackjack. I only used to do sports betting and was making money off of it until one bad day with some bad breaks and I found myself in a whole that i didn’t think i could pull myself out of with sports bets. So I turned to blackjack to win back what i lost and i did. Over the next couple of months after that I started playing blackjack to cover any sports bets that i lost. If i placed a sports bet and then lost, I would go right to blackjack to win back the lost bet. And it worked for a while until I hit a bad stretch and spiralled in blackjack. These spirals would cost me almost all my winnings. Long story short the last couple of months I’ve “fought hard” to win back almost all that I had lost about until last week when I lost a large percentage again of my positive bankroll. The worst part is that this happened at a family gathering and everyone saw my spiral. I felt so ashamed and vowed that I would stop. However in the last couple of days I have been dealing with some serious demons to continue to resist the urge and I just don’t know what to do. I don’t feel happy and I want to go back to the days of just placing some sports bet for entertainment without blackjack in my life. No one seems to think this is possible or a good idea to try and that the sports bets will just lead me back as a gateway to the online blackjack tables. Any advice or help would be appreciated
-
You wrote: “No one seems to think this is possible or a good idea to try and that the sports bets will just lead me back as a gateway to the online blackjack tables. Any advice or help would be appreciated”
You also said in your OP that you were in a hole from your sports betting too – and that you turned to blackjack to get you out of it. So what happens next time you are in a hole? Will you walk away from sports betting never to return? My guess is you will try and find some other way to keep betting – that is the hold that this addiction has on us.
So my advice would be to look at other threads on this forum. You need to stop all forms of gambling, as one can easily lead to another. Ban yourself from places where you do and could gamble (including on-line.) Hand control of your finances to a trusted family member or friend – or if that is not possible put barriers here so you cannot just “put a bet on” when your resolve is weak. Get good support for yourself, through GA (Gamblers’ Anonymous) or some other self help group / counseling. Keep yourself occupied with some non-gambling activity, again there are threads which will give you some ideas of what you can do.
Sports betting is a difficult one – because many people want to enjoy watching their sport whilst they are recovering from gambling – but that causes so many triggers. Some of the sports bettors on here may be able to offer advice on how to deal with this – but taking part in a non-competitive sport seems to work for some. I wish you well.
-
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!
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.