[Gigi971]

Hello everyone, it’s a couple of weeks I enter this site to read other peoples stories or chat in helping groups, today I decided to tell you mine hoping someone can give me the force to make the last step to quit gambling.
My story is not as bad as many I read here, it’s not like I lost an important thing in my life, but I am afraid I would in the future if I don’t quit right now.
Not a lot to say,I started gambling 2 years ago, I quit 3 times in the meanwhile but I never got in trouble with it.
This september things really fell down, I discovered I had full access to the money I had in bank, I could charge my credit card
everywhere using that money and the urge was unstoppable. I started paying 500-1000€ every day and the only thing that stopped me was the payment limit of my card, sometimes I managed to win money to cover the losses of the previous days but of course one week later those money were not there anymore.
And here I am, young and worried about how my life would become in the future if I don’t get rid of this monster right now.

Not only I lost a lot of money, but the urge of gambling makes it impossible for me to live my life as I should. I want to study? Well I can’t! I want to do some sport? I go on the tennis court but I can’t enjoy it.

My life is far from being ruined to be honest but my problem is strong. This should have been my first day without placing bets, but I failed. I hope to come back here tomorrow to say «today was my first gambling free day»

[finding_laura]

Hey Gigi,
well done on writing down your story. Tackling this early in your life is a wise decision.

Start by putting up as many barriers as you can so that you can’t access your money to gamble. Maybe open up a separate bank account that isn’t attached to a bank card. Transfer most of your money into that account after you pay your bills. Get rid of your credit card if you can (cut it up). Or give it to someone that you trust to hold for you. Sometimes having someone we trust know about our problem who can help us with our finances is a good barrier to gambling. It gives you time to think it through. To remember that you don’t gamble because of all the harm it will cause you.

When we stop gambling it is good to try and fill the time with other things if we can. Perhaps you need to talk to someone, a counselor who can help you work through some of the feelings.

Once we take steps to stop, and keep working on our recovery, the desire to gamble will ease, and eventually mostly go away. You will always have to be careful of the sleeping monster! But you can live a normal life!

[Gigi971]

First day is gone, I really wanted to gamble at the end of it but the support group helped me . Starting tomorrow I will try to spare any money I can and run straight to the bank every time I have more than 50€ with me, I will also block my credit cards and give my gf my online banking access, I hope it will reduce my urges!

[velvet]

Hello Gigi 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.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

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!

[goIU1992]

I am really glad to hear that you are putting up those barriers to prevent yourself from going. It is great that you allowed your girlfriend to have access to the online banking to monitor your usage. Stay strong and don’t forget to use all your resources. The worst thing you can do is try to depend on only yourself to get through this. It is a terrible addiction that really requires help from a lot of resources. Online support is great, but also consider finding GA meeting groups around you and seek therapy. Do whatever you can now to stop it from getting worse. My boyfriend and I just split because of this, it has been 2 years of off and on destruction. Do this for yourself and your future of keeping strong family and romantic relationship(s). Just remember that sometimes you think you’re doing great, but the monster will always be inside of you and you always have to continue to fight each day. Do not stop doing what you’re doing because you think you’re «better» now. Keep up with your meetings and support, and you will live a great life free of gambling. Good luck!

[goIU1992]

I am really glad to hear that you are putting up those barriers to prevent yourself from going. It is great that you allowed your girlfriend to have access to the online banking to monitor your usage. Stay strong and don’t forget to use all your resources. The worst thing you can do is try to depend on only yourself to get through this. It is a terrible addiction that really requires help from a lot of resources. Online support is great, but also consider finding GA meeting groups around you and seek therapy. Do whatever you can now to stop it from getting worse. My boyfriend and I just split because of this, it has been 2 years of off and on destruction. Do this for yourself and your future of keeping strong family and romantic relationship(s). Just remember that sometimes you think you’re doing great, but the monster will always be inside of you and you always have to continue to fight each day. Do not stop doing what you’re doing because you think you’re «better» now. Keep up with your meetings and support, and you will live a great life free of gambling. Good luck!

[finding_laura]

Hi Gigi,
just checking in to see how you are doing! Good to see you have put in place some barriers and also some accountability by having your friend monitor your bank account. goIU1992 has some really good advice! Scary to deal with but you can do this! Take care,
Laura

[Gigi971]

Second day has gone, it was not difficult at all and I really didnt think my urges would have stopped so early. I filled my days with many activities, I took that money and took them in bank this morning like I had planned yesterday without betting on a single game.
This morning while I was having breakfast I saw a slot machine and tried 1€ into it, it became 10 and I bought a little gift for my gf. It was the first time I used a slot machine and I actually didnt fell anything while playing, also I only made 2 spins. I actually dont consider that a break of my 48 hrs gamblibg free 🙂
Pretty proud of myself atm 🙂

[finding_laura]

Hi Gigi,
what did you gamble on previously if you don’t mind my asking? Just be careful you don’t keep the feeling of betting alive with a new source. It is still a matter of trying to turn something into a win which may be a trigger. It’s great you didn’t feel anything but maybe don’t tempt it to be on the safe side? Glad your money is in the bank and you haven’t been at your regular poison. Baby steps!
Laura

[i-did-it]

Hi Gigi , so glad you are posting and feeling positive. Laura has given you some good advice – keep working at it – it’s not easy but worth it .

[Muallif]

Xabarlar