[iknowicanquit]

Hi everyone,

Im from the philippines, im 27 years old and been gambling for more than 3 years now. I honestly want to quit. But i dont know where should to start. I dont how to start. My longest gambling free was 3 months and im wanting to do it for good. Just a backstory for how and when my addiction started: my parents are gamblers and ive gone with them in the casino since i was 19 – before i never have the urge. I honestly am a thrifty/frugal individual. I always save up. It was an obsession to save up. I rarely shop. But i do travel. First year of working i travelled to different countries and i enjoyed it very much. It was a hobby. But when i started earning more extra money i tried to gamble one time i went with my parents. It was only 20$ i did not win though and i did not got the urge. My gambling addiction started when i got into a car accident 3 years ago – i resulted to gamble because i was traumatized and i need to vent and gambling was an outlet. My initial loss was only 100$ and it grew. After i moved on from the accident. I resulted to gamble whenever im stressed, sad or bored. And my losses also grew to 200$. As time pass by i came to realize that i gamble because i just want to gamble, i like the excitement. The fact that i know i’ll lose. I still i dont stop. I always keep on coming back. Earlier this evening i had the biggest lost of my life 1,000$ and i had a suicidal thought on my way back home. I was afraid. I dont want to feel that again. I want to change but i dont know where to start. I gamble because i want to. Not necessarily because im sad, im happy, etc. So basically triggers are just random. Hope someone can share to me their success story and how did they cope up with urges and lapses. I want to be a better me. I dont want to die a gambler. I dont want to waste all my savings i want to give myself back what it deserve. I want to live a healthy – gamble free life. 🙁 Please help me.

[Seanraj4731]

Good day brother.
Your first step you made is admitting you have a problem and you are here. Being honest and sharing. You are an amazing person. I applaud you for being here seeking advice and encourgement. I wish i had that same like you when i started to lose in the thousands stopping at this point and seeking help. I am proud of you brother. You have a strong mind to stop and refocus on recovery. Continue to tread on this forum. Read and be encourage. Yes we are here to support each other. Gambling is a lie. You know that. It plays a mental trick on your mind into thinking you are going to win it big when in fact the house always wins. I walk away from bars casinos shops with roulette without any money in my pocket
Mounted debts broken marriage poor health all caused by this disease call gambling. My brother you have made the right decision to stop and to focus on moving forward into a new chapter of your life. Keep on this forum and post your thoughts or your progress. You have stopped digging your self into a hole. For more help and advice you can youtube Mr. Santos Rolon Jr. Soldiers of Self Mastery. Keep on keeping on brother you have done before and you gonna continue seeing a new day with a positive mind abt life. Thank you for sharing.

[iknowicanquit]

Hi sean,

I really appreciate the reply. I just woke up after a sleepless night of thinking and being sad. I hate this kind of feeling. It always keeps on coming back every after a night at the casino. Its really saddening. But the problem is after a few days and when i already get better i suddenly get the urge again. How do you control it? How do you fight it?

[i-did-it]

Hi Iknow , Most of us on here need barriers to help us stop – for example, could you go to the casino and self-ban so that you are no longer allowed to gamble there?

Can you get someone else to manage your money/ bank account for now and give you a small allowance which you must show receipts for?

Do you need a gambling blocker on your internet devices?

These steps are embarrassing to do but the sense of freedom once they are complete far exceeds any embarrassment.

Trips to casino where you end up miserable versus trips to different countries where you have amazing memories and life experiences? I know which I would choose !

You can stop Iknow – perhaps there is a support group near you like GA which you could join? Give it your all – there is also a lot of online support – when you get an urge go into the gamcare or gambling therapy one to one support and talk through with the people there .

I hope this helps – you absolutely deserve a good, happy , peaceful life .

[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!

[dunc]

Hi iknowicanquit

I love the positivity in your user name and its great to see the community supporting you.

A few organisations that could help

PAGCOR can help the players themselves deal with problem gambling through Exclusion Orders that ban persons from playing in casinos and other gaming venues nationwide. Pagcor Website

There is also a Gamblers Anonymous in the Philippines, id ring the Chairperson: Gerald / +639663315546

You mentioned a recent suicidal thoughts , it reads as if this really scared you and has given you the motivation to make a difference to your life. If these thoughts reappear please contact the Manila Lifeline Centre Hotline: (02) 8969191 or Hotline: Mobile phone: 0917 854 9191

Keep posting my friend, support really does help

[Seanraj4731]

Good day brother. Positive self talk talking to yourself mirror talk. Observe your mind and thought patterns. Have a personal mantra. Keep a journal. Keep on this forum. You and you alone gonna make that powerful change. Believe in yourself that you are faced with every waking moments with a mind that is empowered by positive thoughts. Filled your mind the scriptures from proverbs {bible} watch Soldiers of Self mastery videos. Talk to someone you trust. Distract your mind by doing an activity gym playing sports get a pet  cycling etc. You gonna make this big life changing decision to live your best life now for this moment on. Thank you brother for sharing. I appreciate that.

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