[lb231]

Hi all,

This is my first time using this site for help. I am 24 and have struggled with a really bad gambling addiction since I was about 19. I have had 2 spells where I went about a year without gambling only to fall back into it each time. I have not gambled this week and hope to continue this for the rest of my life. I am motivated now but as I’m sure you all know it only takes a few seconds for the mindset to change then suddenly I’m back to square 1. I suppose what I want from this site is a routine of talking to others as I am very keen not to involve family and friends as I want to beat this on my own. I know most people would advise against that but I have done enough stressing and harm to myself that the last thing I want to do is pass that on to others. any advice from people who are/have been in my position would be appreciated. Good luck all

[Dunc]

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!

[charles]

Hi IB, well done on looing for help. The good news is that you KNOW you can stop; you have done it before. This time though if you “go about a year” then at the end of that year you can still be posting here or visiting the groups. You could still be getting to Gamblers Anonymous meetings or other support. Using support will help you stop gambling, continuing to use support will help you maintain recovery.

I’d be suprised if famliy/friends don’t already know that there is some sort of problem. They might not know what it is but it is hard to hide the mood swings that addiction usually brings, the highs and lows we get depending on how our bets have gone. One of the barriers you will read about here is accountability, they could help with that.

Keep posting and hopefully I will see you in a group here soon.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by charles.

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