- This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 1 month ago by .
-
Posts
-
-
Hello,
I’m new to the site.
I semi admitted to myself that I had a gambling problem 2 weeks ago.
However my gambling brain needed some convincing, it seemed very logical at the time to continue gambling for a week, then if I still was unable to withdraw money
I knew there was an issue. Thankfully last Friday I took one big deep breath and blurted it all out to my husband. I’m like to say it was something to be proud of but I
did it because I was scared of what would happen if I didn’t. I’d been pinching and hurting myself to distract attention from it, thats when the realisation sank in.
My secrets out! It feels really good but really strange at the same time. In other ways it has caused anxiety, so now I’m wondering if my husbands reaction has been
too mild, if he’ll wake up one morning and flip, then theres the self loathing.
I couldn’t blame him.
Tonight, by joining here I think I have finally admitted it to myself. So Hubby is doing the barriers, I have decided not to look at how to do it, as if I know how, I can probably
figure out how to undo it. The reasoning behind this is if I start to think about undoing it I know I need to redivert my attention. I have just registered with gamstop, so feeling
positive but have butterflies in my stomach at the same time. Not going to lie, after I pressed the final button to accept I would be blocked from the listed sights. My gambling
brain said to me.. Its ok, come 5 years time we can try again, you’ll be older, a little wiser, you’ll win then. The only difference is now, I feel differently, I have 24 hours until the
gamstop kicks in, I’ve had the compulsion to check and see if my account has been blocked yet, but I havent. I think I can do this.
I should know better, I’ve seen addiction in others, not gambling but alcohol or drugs. I’ve glad I’ve always been sympathetic, maybe thats whats saved me from the wrath of my
husband, not that he understands, he’s never had an addiction. That and I turn to it when I’m sad, lonely, we’ve had a lot of loss, a lot of stress and sometimes I couldn’t remember what I’d lost.
I couldn’t even remember if I’d gambled the night before.
Fingers crossed I think I can do this. I’m glad I found this site.
-
Hello Meme and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums
Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!
Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.
As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)
And on that note….
I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂
Take care
The Gambling Therapy Team
PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!
-
Welcome Meme and well done on startign a thread on here and recognising you have a problem with gambling. – it is so good that your husband is being supportive – none of us can do this on our own .
Hope you find the site really helpful -
-
Hello meme, well done on the steps that you ahve already taken.
The thigns that will help you stay gamble free are thesame thigns that can help rebuild trust with your husband.
Things like the Gamstop and other blockers, financial accountability, maybe getting to GA meetings, that sort of thing.
Maybe show your husband this site – there is also a Friends and Family Forum he might find useful. FnF groups as well.
Keep posting
-
Hi Meme,
welcome to the forum and good to see your update. Sometimes posts get by so don’t be afraid to post often and look for support!
I have always valued honesty so i found it very hard to realize that I wasn’t trustworthy anymore and that my husband had every right to feel that way about me. But, I am happy to report that over time you can recovery his faith in you.
Being lonely can definitely be a trigger. Gambling was developed after all to be an exciting distraction and it can distract from a lot of feelings and emotions. Are there some activities you can take up that would get you out and about more with others? Socializing is important if you feel lonely. Rekindle old friendships. Try and think of things to do to fill your time. We can’t just take away the gambling. There are many parts to a successful recovery. Keep working at it and well done on your brave steps so far.
Laura
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.