[Jersey2303]

Hi all- this is my first time on any type of forum as I have never been able to fully admit my addiction, because I don’t think I ever wanted too. I have been gambling for 5-6 years on and off, when I was a student I spent a lot of money on online gambling, slots/sports betting and FOBT machines in the bookies. I managed to come clean to my family and partner, I managed to speak to a councelleer and was clean for a good year, although I did miss it and was always chasing a big win.

After that I gambled/quitted around 5 times. I lied/snicked around and even took money from my girlfriend, which really strained our relationship. After heartbreake and letting her/friends/family down I continued to start again after 3-6Months clean. Every time I started again my motivation dropped, I missed work, I didn’t want to see friends, I became very isolated and only cared about my bets.

I always bet on sports most of the time, this would usual be football and tennis. Every time any accumulater would fall down I’d rush back to the bookies to put another one on and again again again … I was always chasing that big win… No suprise it has NEVER come… I’ve had lots of small wins but the money goes straight back on

I started again around 6 weeks ago and have gambled religiously every single day, I have lost all my savings/money.. I’ve even borrowed money off friends/family and completely lied about it all. I eventually came clean to my partner last night after a big arguement and some home truths

Today was the first day that I have not gambled and it was so hard, all I could think about was putting my accumulaters on the tennis + football . I felt like something was missing out of my day, the hope of a big win I guess. Part of me feels proud that I some how managed to resist, but I am also fearful because it’s something that takes over me

If anyone could give me any feedback on how to deal with stopping and sticking to it that would be great?

Also anybody who has simuliar feelings to mine as I feel very alone in this situation as no friends/family have ever had any addictions and don’t get it?
Thank you !

[theone12221]

Hi Jersey,

I’ll keep it brief for now. Making that change is about changing your mind set. Do you truly accept that you can never gamble again? Have you come to terms with your losses and realize with certainty that you will not get it back from gambling? If yes then read on.

There are two proactive steps you must take to start your recovery and give yourself the best chance . Simply convincing yourself that you will quit cold turkey will not work I guarantee you.

1) Block all gambling access: self-exclude, close all betting accounts, install gambling blockers, hand over finances/limit card access. Preplan what you are going to do in your free time. Ensure that the time/money/access triangle is ALWAYS broken.

2) This one really depends on you but emotional/psychological support does wonders for a lot of people in recovery: attend GA, seek counselling/a psychologist, post regularly and read the advice on these forums. If you haven’t already done so seriously consider discussing your issues with your loved ones, they will act as an additional barrier from you relapsing.

Try to focus on self-improvement activities that will take your focus off gambling. Take up a new productive hobby. Go hit the gym. Reconnect with some people who you’ve isolated yourself from during your gambling.

Most importantly you need to be patient. Take it one day at a time and reward yourself for hitting each milestone number of days.

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