Hi,
I am new to this site. I'm just looking for a little advice, maybe reassurance I'm not sure? For all of my adult life, my family have socialized at the local bingo halls. My mum, dad, brother, sister and myself. This was our normal past time and was actually enjoyable. Things changed a few years ago when my dad died. My brother decided to buy a car with two seats which stopped the family all going together as me and mum dont drive. My brother is heavily addicted to slot machines. He started off playing xxx a night...then that increased to xxx a night. I noticed a change in my brother. He became very addicted, angry and obsessed with going for his next hit. It got to the point he was going 5 nights a week. The problem was, he has no friends and we all stuck close as a family. My mum couldn't afford to go so she cut back and went once a week. The other nights he would badger me and because my husband works nights, I'd go to get out for a break. Watching my brother dragged me in, I saw him win xxx and that got me playing. I was putting in every penny I had left and I was going 2 weeks with nothing until my next payday. I told my brother I wasn't going to go anymore as I couldn't afford it and it was taking all of my savings etc he didn't seem to care, he would just ask me EVERYDAY! It got so exhausting, I told my husband everything and he supported me and told me I had to say no to my brother. It got very bad for my brother, he lost xxx in a couple of visits and credit to him, he took the big step of self exclusion for 6 month. But here's the thing...hes counting the weeks until he can go back! He keeps talking about it to me and is asking am I looking forward to going back! I have saved xxx in 2 months since not going. I don't want to go with him anymore as I feel hes dragging me under. He has a privileged lifestyle whereas me and my husband are working hard to live a normal life but my brother wont listen, he doesn't get it! I don't know what to do?! I was thinking to ban myself but then I don't see why I should? Any advice would be appreciated thanks!
Hello Mrs mf
Thank you for sharing your story with us on here. I feel it is important to recognize that everyone is at a different stage with their gambling/non-gambling and you should continue to focus on what is the best for yourself and for those close to you. A lot of problem gamblers are brought up with many close friends/family gambling around them and feel they cannot change or leave a group activity which they now view as problematic for themselves.
You may benefit from getting in touch with a frontline adviser 24/7 through either our netline service or on freephone: 0808 8020 133
Many people find that talking through these complex situations can often help clear matters up in their minds and lead them towards making healthier decisions about their own personal gambling.
kind regards
Tom
Forum Admin
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