Hi MS,
Well done on making the decision to stop gambling and on coming here. Using support is important – if we could do it on our own then we wouldn’t have a problem in the first place. Your girlfriend can get support and advice here as well – there is a Friends and Family Forum and live groups that she will find useful.
You are right, just clearing debts isn’t the answer, often if that is all we do then it will just prolong the problem.
Barriers are important in the early days. For instance you can get excluded from the gambling sites that you use. You can instal a blocker on your phone or computer that will stop you finding other sites. IF your girlfriend helps you clear your debts then dont allow it to be that easy for yourself – have a plan to repay her. She can also help with accountability so tjhat you dont have easy access to funds with which to gamble.
Most importantly of all use support – if we could do it on our own then we wouldnt be in a mess in the first place. Keep posting here, check out your local Gamblers Anonymous meeting. The things that will help yopu stop gambling are the same things that will help rebuild trust etc with your girlfriend.
It is an old saying – actions speak louder than words. I look forward to hearing the positive actions that you are taking.