[teapackmac]

Good afternoon, I have recently taken the first step in admitting I have a addiction to gambling! I am just looking for people to talk to and any support which can be offered! I imagine like everyone else it is difficult to talk about the matter at hand, so I can only apologise if my entry is lacking detail but this is difficult for me!

[G Rec]

Hi teapackmac,

Welcome to the forum and well done on taking a positive step admitting the problem and coming here.

Speaking about the problem is certainly difficult and something I can relate to, I was a member of the forum for a long time before I felt comfortable sharing details. That said, if you do share some more details of your situation (how long you have been betting, what you bet on, if you have any family or friends who are aware etc), that can really help others with feedback and advice they can provide.

I would definitely suggest attending the New Members group that are held on Monday and Thursday, here you will get some specific advice and steps you can take as a new member.

[teapackmac]

Thank you for your reply, it is greatly appreciated! I have gambled for most of my life, since I was 13 I lived in a seaside town and spent most of my time in the arcades, a bit of harmless fun is what I use to tell myself although most weekends I would of spent all my money on bandits and have to walk home with the shame of spending all my wages! This carried on until I was old enough to go to the bookies and place bets, this is when I started playing roulette! Again for many years it was “ harmless fun “ and I would pass off my losses each week as ow wel I get paid again next week! Delaying paying bills and constantly feeling down with the occasional high when I won! I stopped for a few years with the odd football bet, in the last year or so I have slowly been spending all my savings on roulette, online gambling sites, live casino and slots! Again the occasional win has made me feel good and keep above board but eventually I have lost most of my money and it wasn’t until recently I realised I have a serious problem! No matter what I win I have to continue to gamble and currently putting stress on my partner who is doing her best to support me! I have decided to try and change my life by admitting I have a problem the only issue is I have no idea where to go for help and like most of us I have never had to admit anything like
This or ask for the help! I really don’t know what to do anymore, I don’t want to ruin my life but unfortunately addiction doesn’t care about that and I feel if I don’t act fast I will have nothing left! Any help or guidance anyone can give would be greatly appreciated or if I can help anyone in any way please get in touch and let me know how! I’m here to support as well as be supported! I feel your pain and your not alone!!

[G Rec]

Hi teapackamc,

Thanks for sharing some more information on your situation.

As previously mentioned, I would strongly recommend attending a new members group which I think could be a big help for providing guidance/support.

Two items that I found very useful after attending my first intro meeting that it sounds like may also be applicable to you.

1) Removing/reducing access to money and/or adding accountability for any spend you make. If you have a friend or a family member who is willing to manage your money for you, that can be a big help. The important thing about this is that the money is still yours and you have control over it, but any spend that you make has to go through that person you trust. This also isn’t something you have to commit to forever, just that it is something that will currently help you. If you don’t have anyone who you feel comfortable handing myour money, an alternative approach is to make your spend as accountable as possible. For example, you could provide someone you trust with view access to your online banking, or share an online bank statment once per week with that person.

2) Adding barriers to make it as difficult as possible to gamble. This can include permanently closing all accounts , Getting self excluded from live and online betting shops/casinos, installing gambling blocking software on your phone and laptop, reducing access to money (point 1)

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