Hi All,
I've been a gambling addict in hindsight for a very long time, mine started when i was 16 and felt isolated and went into the oub and played the fruit machines. First few pounds in i hit the jackpot and the joy it brought me took away the feelings i had of isolation. This was then my new norm go out play the fruit machines and have a "good time" this got out of control i would get paid on and 2 hours later i would have wasted 3-500 on them. I sometimes struggled to even pay my rent and had to borrow extensively from family and my partner.
I managed to get some form of control over this but wasnt ready to admit my problem and seek help. A few years down the line i then got into online betting mainly football and then onto the slots aswell.
My addiction has nearly caused the end of my relationship in the past and i am lucky to have an amazing and supportive wife, ive slipped again the last few months with lockdown and feelings of isolation and had to admit to my wife that once again i've let her and myself down.
But this is the time i am able to admit that i have a gambling addiction and that i am ready to get help i have installed gamban onto my devices and signed up to it online. The 14th of december was the last time i placed a bet and although it felt easy to leave it the first few days im now beginning to feel the struggles.
Im really grateful to have found this site and a great bunch of people to not only help with advice but also to help keep me feeling motivated and strong so thank you everyone
Dougie
Hi Dougie,
glad to know you're finally admit you have a gambling addiction problem, that's a great first step.
Next, I'd suggest you look at gambling differently, not as something you enjoy, definitely not as something you can't do without but as cancer that keeps destroying your life. I know this mental switch may not be easy, but i suggest you try nonetheless.
It's important you try because it helps to make staying away easier, because now it doesn't feel much of a sacrifice staying away, but a logical no-brainer decision that comes naturally. Would you keep placing your hand in fire?? Hell no, fire hurts, so does gambling. I suggest reading Carr Allen's book, "EASY WAY TO STOP GAMBLING".
Once again, kudos to you for taking the decision to be better.
Hi Ade,
Yeah i definately see it for the beast that it is thats for sure. Thank you for the wise words though and the recommendation for the book i will definitely look into it.
Welcome to the diaries Dougie and respect to you for admitting you are a compulsive gambler and being prepared to do what it takes to live a gamble free life.
I read that you have Gamban on your devices which is good.
It is considered wise to register with Gamstop which will prevent you gambling with any UK registered companies.
Many people recommend handing over financial control to a partner for a lengthy period of time.
Some banks allow you to put a gambling freeze on your debit account.
Self exclusion from bookies, casinos, bingo etc. if there is a danger you could resort to them.
It is difficult to stop gambling but it can be done and the benefits are enormous.
Best wishes from Aum
Hi dougie mate, as you have gambled on fruit machines u will know the importance of not carrying debit cards, credit cards and much cash with you when u go to town on your owm. I for the first year just took like forty pounds with me to town no cards so i could pay for drinks, buy things i wanted but didnt have the ability to lose more than this if i succumbed and went on a fruit machine. With this in mind it worked and and since august 2018 ive only gambled 140 pounds (70 pounds of this was in one 30 min session in a bookie im excluded from (you know they dont work). All the best adam
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