[Struggling]

Day 0

Hi, I recently got addicted into gambling. What started off as an innocent venture into casino has spiralled out of control into online gambling and I have just blown away my savings (£10k). 

My parents are concerned for me. I have reassured them I will stop but I keep relapsing. Last night, I blew away £8k trying to make it back. I now have £0 in my account and have deeply hurt my dad especially who has seen his own brother fall into the same trap.

I’ve just told my girlfriend and I was super afraid I was going to lose her as she did tell me she would leave me if I had gambled again after going to the physical casino. luckily shes giving me another chance.

Its only been a year since I entered the workforce after graduating and the work / office politics has been tough. However I am such an idiot as I feel like I’m gambling my future away. Before this I had a nice amount of savings for a graduate; a steady job, just had a pay raise and good few months of bonus. Recently got the company to sponsor me to continue pursuing a professional paper as well. And now I’m blowing it all away. 

i guess I got too greedy? Wanted extra income to make life more comfortable for me and my gf. Wanted to run away from the work stress. I like the thrill and the adrenaline rush that comes with the gambling as well. I have told myself multiple times to stop. It’s been three months and I keep relapsing. Now I’m worried I’ll start again after a few days. And this time, since I don’t have money left, I would start finding ways to borrow from people or loan sharks. I really need help. i want to beat this but I don’t know how and I’m afraid.

[IRockVX]

Hey there,

Try to find as many replacements that are healthy as you can. We’re in this together — you’ve come to the right types of places much faster than I did (I just came 2 days ago and I feel like my soul can breathe again).

Start writing more about what you feel/the distortions that happen with your mind and feelings before you gamble … find local GA meetings … sponsor if you can …

Gather as many tools as possible. Don’t try to “make it back” …

Those things that you put off that you wanted to do AFTER you gambled — do them FIRST instead …

Gambling hijacks and takes over every intention to do what we actually want to … even simple things as getting up and making food … everything you already enjoy it will suck away …

You can break out of this early. Get accountability for your money/someone to help you with it.

Things that will help but not totally overcome it … breathing/qi gong exercises, filling your mind with health based attitude … getting your body in motion … do those things that reconnect you to your power and control.

I know it’s just the beginning and this advice is non-exhaustive. Welcome.

I’m on my journey out too — but it’s not near as bad for me as earlier years …

Much love — make today a gamble free day. Cut the risk.

[Steev]

Well done for looking for looking for help before getting into debt. I was nearly £40K in debt at one point – and not gambling. Debt can stay with you for years.

If you are not handling your own finances then you can’t gamble. As both your Dad and gf know about your problem – could you ask one of them to handle your finances for a while. I know losing control is difficult – but your future is on the line here. Ban yourself from wherever you gamble both on-line and in the real world. Also consider support from GA or specialist counselling from Gamcare or your GP.

See you for day 1!

[velvet]

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!

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