Hi Stepbystep,
Well done on looking for help here.
Well done on stopping gambling but it looks like you have replaced one addiction with another.
This time I hope you don’t “just” stop gambling but rather start recovery. Find a variety of healthier options to fill your time with. A variety will mean that you are less likely to get hooked on the next thing.
If you are now able to have a game with friends now and then great. i would however recommend not trying that with gambling. it just keeps the addiction tickignover.
If you feel shame in being a gambler/ex gambler I hope you can feel pride in addressing a tough addiction.
Keep reading, keep posting. if we could do it on our own then none of us would be here.
Hawkamm and Berta. There is some advice I can give you but I’m not going to do it here on Stepbysteps thread. I hope you scroll to the bottom of the forum and click on New topic. Your own thread will mean you can get your own feedback and support.