[gama]

I have had a gambling issue for about 6 years now. I went to therapy and had my families full support and seemed to be doing quite well. I’ve been dealing with depression the last few years and feel that is how my gambling began. I was in a good state of recovery until my son died by suicide 7 months ago. This shattered my whole existence.  I truly dont know how to continue to live with such emptiness. I found myself back in the casino and just numb while pushing the button over and over on the slots. Everything goes away when I gamble. Now I am at risk of also losing my home. I applied for a modification from the mortgage company but I owe 7500 in order to be current and I only have 4500 to my name. I’m terrified. I am so tired of being sad and scared. I’m doing all I can think of to rid myself of this affliction, I cant take anymore grief and want a real life again.  My soul is tired and really want to find some hope again. 

[Steev]

I am really sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my mother to suicide whilst I was still gambling and I remember gambling on the day of her funeral. It was what I needed to do at the time I guess – and gambling is performing a similar need for you – to take the pain away for a short time. The trouble is that gambling doesn’t only rid us of our pain, it rids us of our bank balances too.

You need to find a better way of coping with your grief other than gambling. Befrienders .org has a bereaved by suicide page which has suggestions on moving forwards and links to organisations which may be able to help in several countries (I can’t tell where in the world you are.) As RG has said, counselling or grief groups would help – you may find other ideas about how to cope through people dealing with similar difficulties in their own lives. Can you talk to your medical professional, GP or similar? They may know of resources in your local area.

You say you had your families full support when you stopped gambling before. Is it possible to get support from them now? If you could get someone else to handle your finances whilst you are working on healing, that would at least put the brakes on the money losses. There is lots of information on this site about the practicalities of stopping gambling – but it is emotional support you need now – from real humans, NOT from a slot machine. Get in contact with people, in person if you can – or by email etc. There are online groups here if you want to chat. I deeply hope you can find the support to come through this.

[lizbeth4]

I’m very sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine. When my Husband died, my gambling addiction became worse. I have been going to counseling since. It does help. Also, a grief support group may help also. I know it did for me.
One day at a time! Grief is terrible. Maybe you can ask someone you trust to help with your finances so you can get current on your home mortgage. Don’t give up!

[dunc]

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!

[Author]

Posts