New member

Hi Absolute Chaos

Well done for registering with GamStop a few weeks ago and I'm pleased that, until the 'blip' on the lottery site things have been going well. Please be aware that you can set spending limits etc on the National Lottery site too to prevent spending more than you intend. You can also ban yourself completely by going through their Responsible Gambling section. 

I'm glad that you remembered this forum as a distraction tool - peer support on here can be both powerful and incredibly helpful in your recovery. Please also remember that we are available 24hrs a day, 365 days a year on our Netline online chat service or by phoning our Helpline on 0808 8020 133 should you need any additional support. 

Forum Admin

Hi admin, thanks for the reply and reminder that it was indeed a “blip”. I guess I’m also starting to accept that it doesn’t come down to saying I will never gamble again. It has to be a process that I will not gamble today. The urge still rears it’s head, it’s controlling the urge which is what I need to be able to do.

A.C,

Welcome to the forum.

As you know gambling addiction is a terrible thing and it takes work. Blocks work for many as do lots of tactics that can be learned on this very forum.

I wanted to say something that you can take or throw away. Every time you go on the euro millions or lottery website you are presenting yourself with the opportunity to gamble and it will make your recovery that bit more difficult. Imagine an alcoholic who only has one drink once per week he’d never recover. I don't mean to give advice but consider stopping all gambling snd I know from experience that your life will get immeasurably better. The longer away from your last bet of any type the easier it will be. Eventually gambling wont have a hold over you and your life opens up to new things and new opportunities.

P.S. I “invested” in the Irish lotto for over ten years picking the same three numbers twice per week. I had to stop. I dont check the results. No point. Ive probably won. Who cares. If I had won I would have started gambling again, would be broke, wouldnt sleep, constant worry, constant lying etc. I dont want any of that. After only four months Ive got money in my accounts that I wont spend. Dont need to spend it. I’m not someone who buys loads for myself. My biggest expense every month was roulette. Since I stopped things changed quickly however, for me, one bet on anything and I’ll be playing roulette in a matter of weeks.

RR

Hi RR, 

Thank you for reading my post and taking the time to respond. 

I didn’t actually expect to be able to log into the lottery site so imagine the thrill as an addict when I thought I’d somehow beat the system.

I know I am at the very start of my recovery journey. It’s not a place I want to be, it’s a place I need to be. Spending those hours last night trying to find a way around Gamstop proved to me just how strong the desire is to gamble. I guess I was kidding myself that because I’d signed up to Gamstop that was it, all would be fine. I now know that is not the case.

Thanks for listening 

AC

Yes Gamstop is just a block online with betting sites - doesnt prevent you getting in your car, withdrawing cash and going to the bookies.  That said, its better than nothing and at least puts a seed in your mind that you are in a process of trying to stop.