Hi Lawrence, It is really lovely of you to post on Jane’s thread and give the perspective from the ‘other side’. It sounds like you have had a rough time and are keen to recover, it is good to see you reaching out. You might find it helpful to also post your own thread on the gamblers forum to get support for you if you haven’t already.
My partner is in recovery now after 30+ years of gambling, he too started young like you and resorted to stealing and went to prison more than once. It took time and support from the residential program but he has been clean now for months and if he can do it anyone can so there is always hope. Take care and well done for looking at your own addiction and trying to change. Lily x