I was in a severe car accident 3 years ago and ended up having ptsd and I had a gambling addiction because of the trauma. The whole incident ended up in court and was very stressful. I’ve ended up in a lot of debt because of gambling and court case I’m married with 2 kids and when my husband found out he was angry he already left me once because of it I did start to recover and now he’s had the final straw and feels completely betrayed as I couldn’t stop. I did stop for a couple of months but I was nearly in a similar situation about a week ago. The memories came back and I started again and I told him and he’s now ready for divorce I don’t know how I can explain what the cause is if he doesn’t want to support me. I know he’s angry and I’m ashamed but I have to look at the positive side it’s been 3 days and I’ve not gambled.
Dear @shireena,
Thank you for sharing your post with our forum community, I'm very sorry to hear about your car accident and the ongoing struggles that you're experiencing.
You're not alone in this, please known that we're here for you.
You're right, three days not gambling is a positive and fantastic achievement so well done. We know you can do this and we are here to help you every step of the way.
There are many strategies and blocks that we can discuss that may help you, have you self excluded from gambling? It may help to have a free referral for some support sessions with one of our treatment partners too or you could attend a local Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meeting to receive support from the whole group.
It may be beneficial to make an urgent appointment with your GP so they can support you with everything you have going on at the moment.
Please talk to any support network you have around you so they can help with everything and be there for you and your Family.
It sounds a very difficult and painful time for you, your husband and children, we're here for you all. Problem gambling can have such a negative impact, please remember to look after yourself and that things don't have to stay this way.
You can change your relationship with gambling, you can overcome it.
If you or your husband would like any further support, advice, guidance or a free referral making for some support sessions then please call our helpline on 0808 8020 133 or access our Netline (web chat) via our GamCare website. We're open day and night.
Kindest Regards
Joanne
Forum Admin
Hiya.. I am a compulsive gambler too... your not alone. I can't imagine what it is like to be in your shoes but I do know what its like to try and stop gambling and more importantly... stay stopped!
For me I know that gambling is bad for me. I know how bad the consequences of my gambling are and yet I still do it... am currently 3 weeks clean.
The thing is, gambling is like a drug a very powerful drug. As am sure your aware, when gambling you can switch off from your stress. For me gambling takes just enough concentration not to have to think about anything else. Once in my gambling bubble nothing else really matters and yes of course part of me always thinks that maybe I can win and pay back some debt or pay a bill etc etc but even when I do win a bit it always goes back, if not in that session, then in the next. Gambling is your drug of choice, it gives you little hits of adrenaline and dopamine and keeps you in the game until all available funds are gone.
The thing is you know why you gamble, but you can't now use gambling as your escape, even though a part of you will always want to do it. Gambling is destroying you and those around you. Its deadly you know this.
You gotta start to do something to make it hard for you to gamble when the urge next strikes, which it will, sooner rather than later. Am guessing that its slots online or similar. GAMSTOP will stop you gambling online. Sign up today. It really is quite effective.
In the short term you need to find another way to switch off from your trauma's, in the longer term you need some support to help you with your ptsd.
Your ok... thoughts are with you... and well done on your gamble free time.
Hello shireena. Sorry to read.. Hope to touch base in chat..
Boo ?
Thank you all for your comments
Welcome to the diaries Shireena.
Five days since you last gambled so hopefully the dust has settled a bit and you are able to see things in a different light.
When people first stop gambling it can be difficult to imagine a life free from torment and guilt but as circumstances slowly improve things may not seem so bleak.
People on the diaries might not be able to offer any solutions but we are all non judgemental friends who have an understanding of the suffering that is caused as a result of compulsive gambling and you are welcome here with open arms.
Stephen x
I really appreciate the way everyone here is so supportive
Well done being gamble free for that time. Please keep it up.
I hope things are getting better for you. To remain gamble free during such a difficult time shows how strong you are.
all the best
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