Hi Freedom,
Well done on recognising that you have a problem and well done on seeking help.
Shame is part of this addiction and stops many of us from seeking the help we need .
Perhaps you will make it to some of the groups and you will ge roots of advice there .
You have taken the first step to freedom.

you need a gambling site blocker, this will reduce your access to the gambling sites.

also cancel all your credit and debit cards and don’t obtain a new cards by this you will block the way to deposit any more money to the gambling sites.

finally all your access money should be protected, you can give the control to a family member or you can find a way to protect this money. once we relapse nothing will stop us from gambling more if we have an access to an extra money.

this what i can write as of now, i advise you to go through the posts on this forum an learn from the others experiences.

You wrote: “Now the guilt and self loathing starts, I feel so stupid to get suckered again after such a positive start to the day.”

Gambling is what defines us as problem gamblers – and just because we have a desire to stop, the links in our brain will put the urges out there – leading to the jitters you felt in the afternoon. It is part of the illness and there is no point in feeling bad about yourself for being ill – so less of the guilt and self-loathing it won’t do you any good!

You feel your trigger was boredom and I wrote a post about that which you will find in the “recovery tools” part of the forum. What your post has brought up for me – is that my piece talks about the dangers of boredom without really saying what to do if you become bored.

I believe boredom (in this context) is the uncomfortable feeling we have when we realize that gambling hasn’t changed anything for the better. Whatever problems gambling was meant to deal with have not gone away – and may (because of the loss of time and money) become worse.
So what was going on in your life before you started gambling – and what was it that gambling was supposed to fulfil? I know what those were for me (and may write about them elsewhere) but for you?
But if all that feels to heavy – then just do things for fun – things that will make you happy and take away some of the tension. Today is the first day of your gambling free life – enjoy it!

Hello 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!

it is not easy to end an addiction and an addiction to gambling is really persistant. I found I had to put as much effort into stopping as I put into my gambling which was a lot.

Good that you are blocking access to sites. Can you also block access to money. If your gambling is on-line then you can cut up your cards. If you need to use them off-line order new ones and get someone to scratch out the 3 number on the back, so that they can’t be used for the internet. Make sure they are scratched out well though or you will try and make the numbers out.
I would also suggest that you get good support for yourself.
You can talk to someone at GA by phone and arrange to go to a meeting. If travelling is an issue perhaps they could suggest something – or book a taxi – it will be cheaper than a day’s gambling!
Try and find some way of using your time, so that gambling thoughts don’t enter your head. I know that is not easy – but whatever works for you – you are an expert on you!
I wish you well.