[FlyingDutchman]

Day 3 was yesterday, today is day 4. So far so good, just been out did some shopping no urges to gamble, no interest whatsoever. It’s going well, haven’t had a gamble free 4 days in a row since last year. Feeling good ! Everybody have a great weekend ! Stay strong !

[FlyingDutchman]

Hi Addi

One day at a time, step by step you will get there, follow jonnys advice and try to have minimal money on you when you go out, if you gamble online, self exclude yourself, do it now. As a CG myself I too dread pay day, it’s a constant battle I know, we are all on a similar boat, but we can all do this, stay strong !

Have a great day, keep posting !

[FlyingDutchman]

Hi Selina,

It sounds to me like you boyfriend is in denial. Gambling is never under control no matter how many times we say it to ourselves, and only has a tendency to get worse. Believe me I have been through all that myself.

The first thing I would advise him to do is to self exclude from all online betting, if not there is blocking software available that he can put on his PC which will prevent him from gambling further. It needs to stop now. If he invites you to the casino say no, and don’t let him go either, and be aware of betting shops too, maybe he doesn’t use them, but they are everywhere and are very,very dangerous places for a Compulsive Gambler.

I am a recovering compulsive gambler myself and have been battling this terrible addiction for over a decade, I too lived in denial for years, convincing myself it was only a flutter here and there, “no harm done” but ofcourse things would escalate and I would find myself chasing another 10 grand. I had complete disregard for everyone around me and as a consequence my loved ones suffered not just financially but emotionally too. A lot of damage can be done with this “no harm done” it’s “only a bit of fun” kind of attitude.

Please ask your boyfriend to seek help, he clearly has a problem.
Maybe your dad can help, his experience would be very useful, and maybe he would listen to your dad.

You made the right decision to come on this site, read other people’s posts, perhaps join one of the discussion groups for friends and family of addicts, I am sure it would help you.

Regards, and keep posting !

[FlyingDutchman]

18 weeks is amazing, keep going don’t look back. Just read through your thread and it has inspired me. CG here, over 12 years up and down like a yoyo but determined to stop this time round. Stay gambling free and keep posting !!

[FlyingDutchman]

Hi Geordie
Thanks for your comment. I have taken your knowledge and advice on board, it is very useful to me. Just taking the step to come on this site has helped enormously I find great comfort in reading other people’s stories and realise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

With regards to my therapy it was at the national problem gambling clinic in soho, and helped me a lot as I stopped for around 1 year, maybe more, to be honest the last 12 years have been one big gambling blur so I can’t be precise. Due to work commitments I missed a few appointments (I was working shifts at the time) and eventually dropped out through embarrassment. I am not sure they would take me back after dropping out like that. They do a great job there though and I highly recommend it.

At the moment it’s one step at a time and this for me is only day 2, weirdly I feel quite confidant so looking forward to tomorrow already. I have picked up quite a few interesting tips just by reading other people’s posts and will adapt a few ideias myself. One of which is to get rid of my bank cards and when I am on my own I will only go out with minimal cash in my pocket. It’s a challenge I look forward to, thanks for posting, have a great day.

[FlyingDutchman]

Well done on staying gambling free. I am on the same boat, like many others on this site. Everyone’s story offers me comfort and inspiration, For me it’s only day 2 but I am coming right behind you. Keep going.

[FlyingDutchman]

Thanks for your comment. I am determined to stop for good. Coming here and reading other people’s stories and comments helps a lot. I might pop into one of the chat groups later. Have a great gambling free day !

[FlyingDutchman]

Hi Blue Panda, I was just reading your story and noticed a few similarities to mine, we are the same age and both addicted to slot machines, and I also wander how it become such a big problem. I am in no way cured of compulsive gambling either, so probably not the best person to give out advice, but I thought I would just give you some support, and let you know your not alone, never give up and keep going. And please come back and let us know how your doing, one day at a time you will beat this !

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