[ddouglas10]

My path so far has been extremly tough, im only 29 years young. 

I’m a compulsive gambler and i have been now for over 6 years, i’ve known this for years its never been in doubt ive always assumed it would just stop everything would be ok, i would get that big win but surprisingly its never happened (Sarcasm). My actions have resulted in a loss of jobs a loss of friends, relationships trust money the list goes on. Sadly i lost myself in all of this i’ve been lost and alone with my addiction for years and i’ve started to make the steps to propely address my issues.

My gambling started when i got my first proper job funnily enough i was earning alot of money at the time and it started off as the odd football bet here and there.

A few months later im betting on football 24 hours a day, any football any time any market any place ANYTHING. 

I’ve won a fortune tens of thousands at times, thousands multiple times, with that money i’ve went to beautiful places and brought amazing things.

I’ve then went on to lose every single penny plus thousands more, loans galore, sold pretty much everything i’ve ever owned, begged borrowed and STOLE to fund my addiction.

The regret guilt and shame of what i’ve done eats me alive every single day and is never truly away from my thoughts, a short while back now i made the decision to STOP.

Rock Bottom was hit again for about the 20th time, it wasnt even actually that bad but a fire ignited inside me and since then ive resisted the urge to bet.

I’m very early in my journey moving foward i accept what i have done and i cannot change that i have to live with it and move forward.

My first steps in stopping gambling invovled self exclusion online which stopped my route to having a bet, im currently reading alot of material regards recovery ( if anyone has any suggestions let me know).

Ive started making it a routine to visit the gamb anon chat room everynight and since discovering the gamb threapy site its going to be routine to join in on sessions on here also.

I have to start to attend meetings, im not making excuses but the nearest to me is a 2 hr bus journey away it starts late at night and it will be tough getting home so once a proper transport plan is in place thats the next route for me.

I’m open minded and all ears i want help i want to beat this.

 

[velvet]

Hello Douglas 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!

[Monica1]

Welcome to the forum. I would recommend Charles facilitated groups for new members where u will get a lot of advice and support. I did the Gordon Moody women’s programme and occasionally go to GA. GA isn’t for everyone. I did it twice a week for three months but found it to be not as helpful as gma.
Well done for making the decision to stop. Gambling online gives us a big hit of dopamine when we enter the trance like zone of compulsive gambling. We have to decide that we are powerless over gambling and that our lives have become unmanageable, and then get as much support as we can. We cannot stop without support, that is one thing all of us who are in recovery say. I get most of my support from friends on this site.
Many of us hit rock bottom for the umpteenth time and then for me, it was the threat losing my home that finally made me stop. This is a progressive illness and it only gets worse, the more we carry on. Good luck and keep posting.

[Author]

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