Originally posted by HarryP22
im 18 ive lost all my money and my life sucks. …
and,
… all i found myself doing yesterday was led on the couch with a blanket watching tv and feeling bad for myself….
Good morning Harry, my name is Larry and I am a Compulsive Gambler, my last bet was August 13, 2009. Welcome to GT, it is a place you can find help; you will also find the friendship of others that have experienced all the things that you have and have felt all the same hurt and guilt – you are not alone in your trouble.
I will start by suggesting that you also start an additional topic in the "Ask Charley" Form, it is set up for those under 21, and although you are in reality an adult, your statement that you are "18 and your life sucks" suggest that another younger person visiting that site might offer additional help, or even be helped by your sharing. That forum is not very active but those who do visit may be of additional help. Even look into and read through the post in the "Friends & Family" Forum, there you will find parents and other loved ones talking about their children’s addictions and the actions of other young adults; you are not alone because of your age and will find that your life is not completely sucked up.
Next I will encourage you to continue to post here in the Journal Forum, it is where most of the information is found and you will receive the most responses; however, use all the features here, the Help Line, the Group Sessions, and the Open Chat Rooms on week-ends. You will even find additional ways to help you in the "Overcoming Problems" Forum. I am suggesting that you visit and participate in all these options not only to give you a verity of help, but, so that you will not just lay around hiding out watching TV during the start of your recovery, so that you will start taking actions that will allow you to get out and live a better life — "recovery does not come to us, we have to go after it.
In addition to taking the actions above, there are other actions you can take to help combat your urges and limit the opportunities for you to gamble. Install a game filter on your computer and ask that your credit cards be blocked from use in online gambling sites. If the cards can not be blocked by your banks, get rid of them, close them out. Also, talk with your family and ask that you be restricted from use of their computers as well, and ask for their help in your struggle with this addiction. They share all their happiness with you, they will also want to help you regain your life so that you can once again share yours with them.
God’s speed, use your Higher Power to guide and strengthen you.
Larry"Day Two Is Another Day Behind" – With the help of a Higher Power, My 3G’s – God, GA, and GT, I will continue to be gambling free.