[adamjm96]

Things have gone too far. I’ve had a few too many bad experiences online and I can finally admit that I have a gambling problem. I’ve lost a lot of my savings and simply cannot afford to fund this addiction anymore.

I’ve had a few big wins, such as £900 in one go, and then with the thrill of the win I’d end up losing £1500. After a couple of weeks I would start again.

I managed to give up for a while but then YouTube videos gave me urges I couldn’t quite control. I’ve had a browse around this website and it has been so helpful to get people’s opinions and see other people in the same position. Since doing this I’ve identified all my triggers, blocked myself from online casinos, removed search engine results, and took control of my banking by cutting up my card.

Last night on Friday 10th June was the last time I bet on a game.

I’m going to check in on this thread as much as possible to keep myself hopefully motivated.

[velvet]

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Hello Adam and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our
privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[lizbeth4]

Hi Adam. It does help like you have done by setting up barriers to make it harder to gamble. I have had a few big wins and just put the wins and more back into the machines. It is a never ending cycle! Glad that you found this site. It has been very helpful for me. Keep posting! You have a lot of support here. Take care.

[theone12221]

Hi Adam,

Welcome and good luck. You’ve taken out the appropriate measures so well done on following the advice on here (lots of people don’t and think they can beat gambling purely mentally…this in most cases only ends in failure).

Now you need to be patient. Take it one day at a time and see the improvements come through in your life.

[adamjm96]

Thank you for your replies.

This is my third day clean from gambling. The reality has hit me a bit and it’s been tough admitting to myself the pure damage that was created from this addiction.

However, I feel confident and can look to the future. I’ve set up a repayment plan for the money I’ve lost and it’s very sobering doing this. I’ve also figured out when I’m going to be debt free and how I can claw my way back without gambling. One thing is for sure, I would much rather have £50 in my pocket than try and risk doubling it to £100 (when in most chances I’ll be leaving with £0).

I’ve also set up a reminder in my calendar for every month I will be free from gambling and I will treat myself that night. For example, a month from my first date I will have a meal out with friends and enjoy some drinks. The second month I will treat myself to £30/40 on Amazon etc. This gives me something to look forward to and makes me think, I don’t need gambling at all!

[charles]

Hi Adam, welcome to the forum. Well done on looking for help. When you read the other threads here you will see a lot of things that you wil relate to. You will also see the success stories; what things that are working for others can you apply to your own situation?

It sounds like you have got soime plans in place regarding the finances. It is important to plan your time as well. Don’t find yourself watching slots on YT or other gambling realted things. As you ahve found, that is always going to make thigns difficult. Keep posting.

[theone12221]

Hey Adam,

I like the plan you’ve set yourself. Mapping out financial plans/savings targets also helped me tremendously at the start of my own recovery. The only thing I will caution you about is don’t obsess too much with everything you do and how it relates to your savings/paying off your debts. What I mean is, still try to lead a normal life. I made the mistake of over-analysing everything and counting my savings/expenses TOO MUCH, in that it took over my life (so in essence, you’re still letting the past gambling dictate how you live your current life!). Over-obsessing will also make you resent the restrictions you’ve put on yourself and act as a constant reminder of why you’re being “punished” for your past gambling. Once I stopped obsessively saving and avoiding expenses and just lived normally again, I become a lot more happier, thought about my past gambling a lot less and in general had less urges to gamble. Of course, keep up the good savings habits and try to blast through that debt asap!

So what I mean is, goals are great and will keep you motivated…but free your mind and live as your normally would, just without the gambling part 🙂

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