Hi Izzy,
i have come to realise that I can only share my own experience as I have not lived in anyone’s shoes and I say that with love and care.
when I lost £30,000 last year of our Savings I cried and swore I would not gamble but ended up gambling again and again. I did not understand my addiction and left a lot of doors open to allow me to gamble. Banks cards, access to money, gambling accounts etc.
i realised quickly with every binge bet where I’d lose between £5,000 to £10,000 under an hour that had to get real and block all those things by giving them up. My money is now in a no card access bank account. I cannot deposit online. I have no cards to gamble with and I have redirected on GamStop and blocked all sites .
if the urge for gambling or trigger happens. I cannot gamble because I do not have the means to.
i cannot blame anyone for my gambling and I was fully responsible for my destructive ways. The addict me seeks justification and sympathy but that’s the addict part of me, not the healthy part of me speaking.
i would strongly recommend the zoom meetings Izzy. I am 36 years old, a mother of 2 l, a wife and I can say that life is beautiful right now and just for today. Please consider them too as I am certain you will find understanding of your addiction and then ways to combat the urges and eventually be free of it.
lots of love and we are here for you