HI Andy , well done on seeking support.
Where do you gamble . Is it in the bookies or online ?
It’s great to get rid of all those cards. It might be an idea to hand your debit card and pin to your relatives unopened. Then ask them to withdraw whatever amounts you need.
The problem with gambling is that the more we gamble the more we want to. Yet when you get a short time gamble free you quickly return to feeling at peace,regardless of debts. You can pay those off over as long as it takes.
You sound very fit so I’m wondering if there is another way you could indulge your love of football..perhaps by joining in local leisure centre groups, or has about starting your own five aside team or something like that?
Can you enjoy football without betting on it? Do you need to let football go for a while?
You have seen other friends beat the addiction. Ask them how they did it. Ask them for support.
Sometimes saving for something special is a good way to kick start our brains. The important thing I find is to always treat yourself to something no matter how much you owe. If you don’t have something to show for stopping it is easy to fall back . Maybe the latest football jersey for your team..something you will value.
Urges can drive you crazy…when they are strong it is so hard to resist but if you resist they become less intense.
There is a supplement that worked for me when my brain was at its craziest. It is called NAC and research supports that it can help with gambling urges. However it can’t be taken with lots of other meds, so be careful. Also after a few weeks it makes me quite ill, but it was so worth it for me to break the cycle.
Life will get better. What will amaze you is how quickly it gets better.
Keep posting. It’s a hard but very possible addiction to beat. Don’t let this one small part of your life define you. You are a whole person with a compulsion you need to break!,
There are several groups on here and it might be helpful to chat to others . You are not alone. Many have struggled with this compulsion.
You will beat it and have a peaceful, happy life.