[asimonson]

I have a gambling/spending problem, hahahaha… or at least that’s how I used to say it. I thought if I smiled and laughed it off, others wouldn’t take it seriously and I’d never be found out. But like all good secrets, they find their way through the cracks. My humor, my sarcasm, my pride, my denial was no longer able to patch the cracks and the secrets spilled out. Every vile lie I told myself seeped like a toxic sludge. Gambling just came into my life about 5 months ago, but I’ve always spent above my means… still able to make minimum payments, but never getting ahead. Then when I felt the rush of winning $1,000 on a machine, I thought I found my way to get quick cash and pay my bills. I kept chasing that feeling of winning, only to be let down time and time again. It wasn’t until my friend gave me $2,000 for my mortgage payment as a generous gift and I spent $1500 on the machine not even an hour later, that I realized I had a legitimate problem on my hands. So hi, my name’s Ashley and I have a gambling/spending problem. And it’s not funny.

[monica]

Hello Ashley and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums.

I hear you. Humor can be a way not to feel the big and bad consequences of gambling. But now you’re here and you’re facing this problem. And you’re not alone in this.

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!

[Author]

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