The question I would ask you is, deep down do you really want to stop gambling? Or do you just want to stop the negative fall out?
So many of us hit the same bottoms. I say bottoms because just when you think you have hit your lowest point, continuing to gamble just brings a new low point.
I tried stopping by myself so many times that I lost *****. And each time I started gambling again (after a few days, maybe a week, sometimes even months) I would sink lower than I had before.
I know the deep shame that comes from admitting this to people we love. We feel we should have been able to stop before now. And to lose respect feels terrible. I’m not saying to confess to all you know. But to have one person who loves you in your corner and helping with finances can be the best barrier to gambling.
There are other barriers you can put in place. I’m not sure where you are but can you ban from the online sites you use? Close ac*****s. Transfer money needed for long term bills to an ac***** you can’t access without a lot of notice. Cancel credit card ac*****s. Also, use supports, gamblers anonymous, counseling, this site.
Are you still in school? Can the university provide you with mental health services? Gambling addiction is considered a health issue in most western *****ries. What about emergency financial assistance from the University?
Please think long and hard about protecting yourself. This addiction has a way of making us forget our past mistakes and repeating them over and over with worsening consequences.
Well done on posting here. This addiction can be stopped. You can have a good life. Please don’t do anything rash.
take care of yourself.
Laura