[NorthEast87]

I’ve been gambling off and on since I was 16 years old and 15 years on, I’m trying to quit and start a life without it.

In my teens I wasted thousands on gambling in betting shops on horses, football, virtual sports and betting terminals then I spoke to someone and got some help and stopped for a while.

I have since slipped back into my old ways and have found myself spending a couple of hundred pounds at a time, losing, and then chasing my loses or plotting my next bet.

I have also turned to online gambling and found that it has become even more dangerous than visiting betting shops.

I have a stable job and a family who love me. I love watching sports in my spare time but have found that gambling has took away some of the enjoyment.

I have closed my online betting accounts and have implemented self-exclusion. I want to start again without having the gambling spoil my life. I love going for days out

at weekends and want to enjoy them from the minute I leave the house to the moment I get home without wasting my time in a betting shop. How do you guys cope and move on.

What methods do you use?

I love my family, I’m respected at work and also in sports communities. I need to free myself of the poison and get my life back on track.

[NorthEast87]

Apologies for the split text above. This was my first go at typing a post!

[Steev]

Good to talk to you earlier in group – before I got booted out!

There is the practical things to do. Exclusion is one. Ensuring you have as little money on you as possible at all times. Handing over your finances to a loved one is recommended but that entails them knowing about your problem. Does your family know? It is a big step to tell them and that leads to the next thing – getting support. Getting support is key, few people do it alone. There are groups and the forum here and at Gamcare – GA meetings and website in the UK. You could try counselling through Gamcare or another organisiation or through your GP.

All this will help. You will be triggered to go back – so identify your triggers. Sport is a tricky one as it is so linked to gambling. But your recovery comes first – so if you need to give up your sport for a while … Days out at the weekends sound good – and going back to what you used to do before gambling took hold. As I said – good to talk.

[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]

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