Speaking to people in real time can and does help, have you tried any of the groups yet?
I have a very early start tomorrow so wont be there myself but I’m sure you’ll feel the benefit
I gambled in the bookies too but find that Cheltenham, Aintree and Epsom might aswell have been Hexham, Taunton and Carlisle. It was all just another race meeting to gamble on. Whats the worse that could happen if you “miss” Cheltenham, you miss a few winners? You’ve had winners before …look where you are now…..it hasn’t changed anything.
Dont let the hope fade away, you’ve gambled for years you’ve got nothing but debt to show for it. You can get help managing that debt but need to stop gambling. You want to stop gambling, you’re well on the way. Imagine how much you could have saved in just one year without gambling, £5000, £10000? Maybe a lot more.
Its not impossible to stop gambling, and although it must seem daunting to you, it does not have to be hard. It does require a lot of changes and GM will give you a lot of help in realising this.
I can really understand your situation with your mum, and although it might be frustrating remember the years of frustration you’ve caused her. Never the less is it not worth talking to her, maybe let her know you’re seeking support now, not just sitting on your backside waiting for GH. She will probably be over the moon just to see you really trying.
You wont always be the person that you’ve became, life is a journey, you changed into that person, there’s nothing stopping you changing into a better person once again, and you’re making a change just by being here.