Hi there,
Firstly, really big well done for posting and putting yourself out there.
I’m no expert in this, I have only recently begun to come to terms with my own addiction / compulsive gambling problem.
I think this is a good starting point for you. Realisation and the start of admission that you have a problem.
Other steps that may come in useful, if this constant cycle has affected you in any lf the ways that mine has then one option that helped me was seeing a doctor and explaining things. Doctors can find ways to help with mood and mindset.
For myself it was enough is enough time, I had told myself over and over that I didn’t have a problem or that I could fix the problems myself. Until you fully admit to yourself that you are a compulsive gambler, you do have a problem then it would be almost impossible to get the help you need.
You have to learn to be transparent, open, honest with your partner otherwise you will never get away from living a lie and therefore never break the cycle.
If you haven’t done so already, I would suggest going properly onto the main Gordon Moody website and getting your head around what they are all about. They offer a 14 week in house residential treatment programme for compulsive gamblers who meet their criteria depending on circumstances etc. This is what I am about to embark on.
I have a partner, I have a daughter, a mortgage etc…..14 weeks away from them is almost unthinkable but it ks 14 weeks that could give me back the rest of my life.
There are online support groups and live chat sessions on this website and others. Gamblers anonymous in your local area can be effective of you commit to it.
You will get through this month somehow but eventually it will only end one of a few very nasty ways. It will get too much and suicide will become a very real possibility. You will end up alone, broke, with all ties to friends and family gone if you do not get control of this.
There are many more experienced members on this site who will give you some fantastic advice over the coming days or weeks so try and keep yourself active on here.
For me, admitting everything absolutely fully and truthfully to my partner was my necessary first step. Seeing a doctor for my mood and suicidal thoughts was also very important for me. Getting in touch with Gordon Moody via their website and then speaking to Amy from there over the phone gave me a plan and direction I had been unable to find myself for over 5 years.
Well done for taking a big first step and putting yourself out there.
Take in some of the advice you get over the coming days and think about some of the things i’ve said.
If you want any kind of future then the time to act is now. You can do this. You are not alone, but this could be the best thing you ever do!!
Good Luck
KStep