Have been a gambler since 16/17, had some real big losses and reality checks over the last ten years, been in debt, had to pay it in instalments.
Before lockdown I wasn’t really gambling, I would have small relapses but losses were not big and were infrequent.
Start of lockdown, won big, told new girlfriend, gave her the money to put towards house deposit. Carried on and lost majority of it causing cash flow issues.
Sorted out gamstop, that worked for a while until I realised I could transfer my mates money to load into their account. Since then had multiple relapses, culminating in this week losing way more than I planned to, hitting rock bottom again.
It always starts as a quick bet or a few hands of Blackjack to cure boredom, almost always losing, then chasing losses. Make some of the losses back, try to get back towards even and lose it all.
What annoys me is I’m sensible with money outside gambling, I’d be in a very healthy position if I didn’t ever gamble, yet here I am wondering if I can ever properly stop.
I’ve tried diaries, I stopped 500+ days once, a day for every pound I lost, those targets helped. Will have a family soon and want to curb this once and for all.
Helps and tips would be appreciated.
We have all tried many times and failed myself no exception
Nobody and i mean nobody will beat a gambling addiction first time of asking
I used to try and learn something from every relapse , what the trigger was how i was feeling etc
I don't get many urges anymore because i genuinely do not enjoy gambling anymore however friday afternoon i was feeling particularly down in the dumps and a thought crossed my mind " have a punt online"
I immediately shut it down knowing from past experience it will just make things 10x worse
Thanks mate - I think it’s purely boredom related and seeking out that thrill. My issue is I can’t accept a loss, so it unravels from there. Naturally the stakes have gone bigger so the best time to stop is now.
First milestone is a day...
Ive tried many time and failed as well.
It doesn't mean that we give up trying though
Do what you have to do to stop yourself gambling.
Regards.. S.A
Hi st180821,
Well done on taking the step to stop gambling. It takes determination to keep going and keep trying. Maxmaher has a good point about learning from relapses.
Sounds like the issue with using your mate's account is an ongoing loophole. Do you think there's a chance that could happen again? If so, how would you go about closing off that route?
You might want to consider blocking software if you haven't already - this blocks you from using gambling sites on your devices. It complements Gamstop because they work in different ways, have different strengths and weaknesses, so if you find a way round one, the other can still block you.
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/blocking-software/
You're very welcome to give us a call on the Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or by Livechat. We can give you a link to access blocking software for free, and we can look at other strategies and support that might help.
Take care and keep posting,
Deirdre
Forum Admin
I think everyone tries and fails. That is just a part of it. When you have built-in addiction you solidify it with every new gambling action that you take. Like bricks and mortar. Every new action is a new brick and after a while, that wall becomes pretty ... high and solid. But so was smoking cigarettes or drinking or taking drugs. People actually do get away from this but. We are constantly reminded of the industry in every bookie you pass or every radio advert in the car all saying the same thing. It is fun it is ok and please play some more. So it is about breaking the conditioning u are being brainwashed with. It is also changing your own self-identification. If you think you will continue being a hopeless addict well then you are right but if you make changes to how you look at yourself and grow more mindful (ie take charge of your ship) then those slots, roulettes footies and horses start to become a more expensive prospect. It is NOT normal to gamble away hundreds of pounds in an afternoon. Don't let anyone else tell you differently. Finding normal is about creating a normal you have not had for a while. Make rules. Make plans and live to follow them. You may say I am not a .... robot but give it a try. Many small changes make bigger ones
Best
C
Good way to look at it c34h. Thanks.
I agree, and would recommend Gamban and Gamstop for anyone who thinks they are losing control. Both very good tools.
Will check in regularly here and help share personal experiences where I can.
I am lucky I’ve caught it again before it risked debt or financial struggles - it’s still frustrating to lose a chunk of money though, especially when you think of thing you could have spent it on.
ST
yes you need both Gamstop AND gamban. That combination was effective in stopping me gambling online.
All the best
1 week completed, still finding myself wondering what odds of x,y,z would be, but soon passes and safe having Gamban in place.
First weekend of football being back is always a test, but managed it. Onto week 2.
ST
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