Hi All,
I am 27 years old gambling addicted person. I've started to have a serious problem with gambling when I was 17 years old. This curse (I can't describe it differently) was with me all the time, I was spending every money for sports betting or machines, I've ruined my teenager years completely, ruining my dreams and failing my close family. I've met my current Fiancee when I was 21, I continue to gamble and lost not only mine but her money also, as we came to UK for better life.. She found out that I have a serious problem and she decided to help me out to pay out the debts and to become gambling free person. I've managed to not gamble for 3,5 years.. At some point, the names of bookmakers were everywhere, even the advertisement were coming in letters to my home address. I don't know why but I broke, I've had some of my money and I went to one of the bookmakers to play a bet to get some of my lost money too.. that is what I thought.. I've spent 3 months playing with up and downs but end up with loosing XX of wedding savings and being on debts.. She found out again.. I don't know why I did this.. I had my money, even if I would win something I couldn't tell her about it..
I am looking for professional help now and I contacted gamcare to refer me to therapist. My dad is an alcohol addicted who don't drink for 5 years. He advised me to go for meetings for anonymous gamblers but also find out hobby which take me free time away to not think about gambling.
Does anyone have any idea? How you overcome this terrible thinking?
Exercise is an excellent hobby, a distraction, you can challenge yourself to improve. It also releases endorphins.
good luck in your new life. Stay away from gambling and the possibilities are endless.
yes exercise and health suites with jacuzis and saunas is what I do now and spend time with family
Running & boxing gave me something to focus on rather than gambling, it’s a lot more healthy and rewarding.
Hi
Its far deeper than a hobby because with a recovering mind you will see the world in a whole new light.
You will have time to take a look at yourself and analyse your soul which you can consider your main "hobby"
Everything else you will begin to see as fun activities are a bonus. Its all better than gambling. A gambling addiction is an illness of the mind and when you are not scared to face those facts you will sort it.
So yes take a moment of pure pride to go to Gamblers anonymous. There is no shame in facing what the gambling dens have done to you. Pour a brew, have a biscuit and face other gamblers....your previous delusions will make no sense...they wont wash.... and you will essentially be looking at various stages of yourself in the mirror...the past present and future you (if you had continued gambling) will all be there.
A reality check you need along with all the other reality checks as you are born again
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
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