New to this site, but it’s finally time to admit that I have an issue with gambling. Stemming from using a spare overdraft years ago, this was cleared, to then having a break once that had been paid back, and now i'm back in the same situation due to my own stupidity.
I first came clean to my wife a few year back after checking our accounts, however recently I started again. The guilt and remorse felt worse the more I did it. Like many gamblers the more I did it the more I wanted to ‘win’ the money back.
I couldn’t face having to tell my wife that I had done it again for the fear of shame, guilt and putting a strain on my marriage.
Im looking to use this as a platform of support. My wife now knows everything and we are slowing getting things back together.
I don't feel I need to place another bet but the support will help me understand its not a necessity. The financial strain will take time to recover but I understand it will be a long process, any tips or advice are appreciated.
Go to a GA meeting and start a recovery process, don’t depend on willpower or the fact that you don’t feel like a bet at the moment. You will and if you don’t have a support network in place there’s only one thing that will happen. You’ll bet. Make that change this week.
Chris.
I’m no expert…but it seems to me that you are feeling different about stopping this time. That’s terrific! Do it for YOU! Think of all the really fun things you can do with that money! None of which need to lead to you feeling guilt or shame. Take a vacation. Buy something nice for your wife. I have been feeling really great since I stopped. I know it is an addiction (and a pretty strong one at that) so I can never let down my guard. I so love going to sleep without shame or guilt on my mind. At least not any fresh shame or guilt. I still look back with many regrets and “what ifs”. Be strong. Seek other ways of releasing those endorphins. It’s like gambling is the easy way of releasing them…and I got sucked into it. The feeling I get after exercising, going on a date, visiting somewhere new is so much more enjoyable. Let’s face it…. I don’t only chase losses. When I get the big win…I start really throwing the money in as if the winning will continue. It’s a scam. I am so disappointed by all governments that sanction such activity as recreational. I don’t want to participate in any recreational activity that makes me feel like that. It’s a living hell. You know it, too. Stay away! Join me in hating gambling with a passion for what it has taken from me and my family!
Take care,
Greg
I went to a GA meeting last night for the first time do go it will help
Well done Trauts - that's a really positive post. It seems like you've made your mind up and that's great.
My advice would be don't look back. Write off the money spent on gambling as if it was a bad investment on a property or something and move forward without making the same mistake.
Go well!!
Anything is better than that awful, heart-pounding anxiety in the middle of the night knowing you have blown a tonne of cash & have to tell your partner. AGAIN.
I registered with Gamstop yesterday morning. I didn’t even realise it existed, but it is the best thing I could have done. Wish I had discovered this earlier.
Enjoy the relief that comes with not gambling.
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