Just a post to anyone on the website looking for help, advice or support.
It can be hard and scary process.
But just a reminder 'Youve got this'
Theres lots of tools and guidance to support you.
Personally for me (im 6 months gamble free but not complacent) the things ive found helpful are:
Blocks:
Blocking access can help to prevent you acting on and urge and make it a lot harder to gamble.
Gamstop: i personally have gamstop which prevents ne accessing gambling accounts or signing up for them.
Gamban: gamcare can offer a free link to be able to access gamban for free allowing you to block access to gambling sites.
Other: finding out if your bank offer blocks on gambling transactions and getting these in place
The more blocks the better.
Debt/financial worries; i went on the stepchange website they are a charity offering support with debts. I then contacted them and they were amazing i am now on a debt management plan and after a couple years i am planning to be debt free this year. They offer a lot of support and advice and suggest what would be the best option for your personal circumstances. All there advice and support is for free.
Gamcare: of course: Finding gamcare and asking for the help and support i realised im not alone with the problem and finding out about others journeys helped me along the way as well as well as advice from the staff.
Gamchange online cbt course: for more information look in the recovery toolkit tab. This course helped me change my thinking around gambling. I still get urges but i always remember what its taught me and weighing up the pros vs cons of gambling in my head. Along with the blocks this has enabled me to think before i give in.
Self determination: ultimately with all the above its importsnt to want to stop and remember why you are here and the devastating effects of gambling and taking action.
This is what i personally found helpful to helping me along the way to my point in recovery. There are many options for different people some find other sources of support such as GA helpful. Its exploring the most benefiical option for you.
I wish everyone all the best in your recovery. I hope along the way i have helped at least one person.
Please feel free to comment what you have found helpful in your journeyso far .
Lou x
nice lou thoughful of you to come on here and just make a post for others xx it really does help i never thought of finding anywhere ti talk to people never thought it would help boy i was so wrong have nice day lou
ill comment again with more info on what has helped me also but a bit later
Thanks
Great Post Lou ?.
I always carry a Tesco gift card with a good balance on it for buying groceries. It has helped me out on occasions when I was short of money and also means I don't need to carry so much around.
Aum ?
Thats a great idea Aum thanks for sharing x
Lou x
Self exclusions have been an enormous help during my recovery.
Top of the Forum page press "Recovery Toolkit" than scroll down to where it gives links for gamstop and also links to self exclude from casinos, betting shops, bingo halls and arcades.
My advice is to never doubt your ability to recover from gambling addiction. Many people who joined Gamcare have succeeded in turning their life around for the better.
As the title of this thread says:
"You've Got This."
Aum ?
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