Day 1. I've told myself again and again over the years it's easy to stop. Just delete the apps, self exclude for 6 months or a year, but always, always, another company sends you an offer, or you remove the deposit limit, or a new advert appears on TV or on the front of a football shirt.
This is the first time I've looked for help online and all the options out there. This is the first time I've admitted I have a problem. It's heartbreaking in a way, I've lied to myself and those around me for far too long. Blamed my finances on being rubbish with money, when in truth I've never tried to save, I've always just gambled every penny I had spare away.
I don't want to think about the amount of money I've chucked into someone else's pocket. I want to look at the things this admission will help me save. My life, my relationship, my job. So many things that are impacted by my gambling, that I always just push to the back of my mind. I can't let it go on any more, so today is day 1.
I've ordered Russell Brands book, signed up to GamCare and excluded from all online gaming sites. I've watched numerous TED talks, which, all resonated so deeply with me. I've made a list of things to do this week and next. See my GP, speak to the bank about reconsolidating my debt and trying to restore some order to my finances. I've also got to have some long, heartbreaking chats with my girlfriend, my parents and my mates. I've been a distant person for the last 6 months, I realise that now.
The time for change starts here.
Hey,
i can completely relate. And well done for accepting the problem is there and it needs to stop.
are you aware of Gamstop? It’s fairly new and blocks you off all uk registered bookmakers, it can’t be reversed within the 6m,1y or 5y period to choose to exclude for?
I wouldn’t put you off any method of hell and advice but my GP wasn’t very good at all when I went re gambling, I think she maybe was a little ignorant to gambling addiction so didn’t have any advice or suggestions really.
I too, like you did. Blame other things for gambling, I notice you mention sponsors on football shirts. I used to do this. But be honest, these have no impact on your addiction. It’s only one persons fault. The gamble. I’d admit bookies promotions and advertising is way too prevalent but that’s a different conversation.
Hope you find a way out of gambling and live yourself a happy gamble free life 🙂
Welcome to the diaries Megamarvatron. If ever you feel the urge to gamble just recite your name 100 times and you will have forgotten all about it lol.
Great to have you amongst us. I admire and respect your determination, honesty and proactive approach to recovery.
The past is now history so you can let it go and make a brand new start.
I wish you every success in reclaiming your life.
Stephen
i wish u all the success in the world
25 days gamble free, not going to lie and say it's been a breeze, there's been so much going on that would've turned my eye and made me gamble. The start of the football season, some high standard racing meetings, the Ashes, the list is probably endless. Plus the daily ritual of spinning for free on multiple sites, which would lead to depositing and losing.
Onwards to the next 25...the half century is in sight!
Hi Megamarvatron,
Great news that you are 25 days gambling free. You are a similar number of days into the journey as I am (30 days) but I have only just plucked up the courage to post. Your comment re blaming your finances on being rubbish with money certainly resonates - something I have said many times over whilst not addressing the real issue.
Have you contacted GamCare? I spoke to them earlier this year and was put on a waiting list for counselling. It took some time but I received confirmation of an appointment earlier this month. May not be for everyone but could be an option.
All the best. M.
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