It now nearly 2 weeks since I gambled which is a big achievement but I feel so isolated. My husband still hasn’t come to terms with my addiction and he’s got my whole family involved and everyone is arguing with me. I feel like I have no support except my best friend and my husband keeps acting out on anger. My whole family are disappointed and not helping either. There’s just so much tension everywhere I can’t get my frustrations out and if I do I just got told it’s not their problem I have to deal with it as it’s my fault. I asked my mum to be a witness in front of my husband that I am getting help and trying to do everything to stop gambling in a cry for support. She said that I was blackmailing her for support and that what tension is between me and my husband is not her problem it’s between us and she doesn’t want to get involved in the mess I have created. I tried to explain to her that it was to support me to help me to stop. Now my husband is still not speaking to me and my mum doesn’t want to know either. I just wanted her to see I am trying my best to get better and that I asked her to do it to calm all tension so everyone knows I’m trying and as proof. I just don’t know what to do. Did I do the wrong thing in asking them to both listen to me so both can see I am trying
It’s so easy for anyone to point finger and to judge when they have not been a gambling addict. My partner did the same to me...but if they understood anything about gambling addiction they would know that you need their support...it’s not your fault that you had this addiction...you fell in the gambling trap... it’s the quickest and biggest growing addiction in the world...but yet we feel so alone having this addiction... don’t feel alone... I have freed myself from gambling addiction by reading Allen Carr’s easy way to stop gambling...and it was easy..,nothing else worked for my addiction...and I tried loads of methods... addiction happens in the brain...we got hooked but we can also get free... hang in there... thinking of you
xx
Dear @shireena,
Well done on reaching nearly two weeks gamble free, this is a fantastic achievement and one that you should feel very proud of. Keep up the amazing work because you're doing excellent, you've already made such big progress.
I'm sorry to hear you feel so isolated and that you aren't getting support from your husband and Family, it sounds like it's still very raw for everyone and there's lots of emotions from the shock of the problem gambling. I hope in time things become easier for you and your Family and that you're able to repair the damage to your relationships with each other.
We're here for everyone affected by problem gambling so if any of your Family would like to call for help and advice then we're here for them as well as you. They can also access an online support meeting every Sunday from 8pm until 9pm on the below link:-
http://gamanon.org.uk/?page_id=30
It's good to hear your best friend is supporting you so please keep using that support to talk about how you're feeling and please make her aware we're here for her too if she needs us.
I know it's very difficult with everything going on, please try to stay focused on your recovery and maybe making an appointment with your GP for extra support would help?
Have you thought about having any support sessions with one of our treatment partners? We can arrange a free referral for you if you feel this would help? We can also discuss further coping strategies that you may not be aware of like self exclusion.
Please know you're never alone in this, we're here for you and we know you can do this. We believe in you, overcoming problem gambling is a challenge that many people go on to overcome and then live a life that is gamble free.
If you would like a free referral making or you would like to talk things through one on one, please call our helpline on 0808 8020 133 or access our Netline via our GamCare website. We're open 24/7.
Keep believing in yourself and please be kind to yourself, your past does not define you or your future.
Kindest Regards
Joanne
Forum Admin
I'm sorry to hear how you are feeling. Recovering from addiction can be a very lonely place. Your husband will come round in time and so will your mum.
It's a hard addiction to conquer, but you will do it.
You'll never be alone in here. Always come here and vent, I do. The less chance you'll have of lapsing.
You have been honest with your family Shireena and it takes a lot of courage to admit to having gambled in a compulsive and reckless manner.
We are a bit like a second family to you for we are all compulsive gamblers so can appreciate the confusion, sadness and remorse that you are most likely experiencing.
With blocks in place and having limited access to money, your gambling days are hopefully now behind you. Slowly but surely the memories of past mistakes will fade into the background and you will once again feel the love and support of your nearest and dearest.
Stephen x
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