27-02-2010, 10:37 PM
Hi all
I am 32 and have been gambling compulsively for 19 years. Last year I went to gamcare therapy (I had been to meetings before but they never really worked) and finally managed to stop for an extended period. Then in January I went into a bookies again and played roulette. I was up and went again a few days later and won again. This continued and I have now lost everything, including my salary for this month. My years of gambling ruined my credit record, trust from friends and family and trust of my employers (who fortunately supported me through the worst). Just after I was making things right with all those around me I have done this again. I have self exclusion from all the betting shops in my area but with 2000 shops in London all I need to do is get on a bus to find one I can still play at. I have gambling blocking software on my PC but have now discovered some sites bypass it and have been playing online again too.
I had open surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a tumor and have been told to go on a balanced diet to assist with my healing. I was also told to take a month off work. This is not going to happen. Just getting enough to eat this month is going to be a struggle, never mind the right food to eat. This morning I had to borrow money from a payday loan company at a ridiculous interest rate just to get me through the month. I am lying in bed with a debilitating stress headache wondering what to do next. I can't go to the friends and family who have reluctantly taken me back nor to my employers who put the past aside and waited for me to finish with therapy. I have no idea what to do.
I am 32 and have been gambling compulsively for 19 years. Last year I went to gamcare therapy (I had been to meetings before but they never really worked) and finally managed to stop for an extended period. Then in January I went into a bookies again and played roulette. I was up and went again a few days later and won again. This continued and I have now lost everything, including my salary for this month. My years of gambling ruined my credit record, trust from friends and family and trust of my employers (who fortunately supported me through the worst). Just after I was making things right with all those around me I have done this again. I have self exclusion from all the betting shops in my area but with 2000 shops in London all I need to do is get on a bus to find one I can still play at. I have gambling blocking software on my PC but have now discovered some sites bypass it and have been playing online again too.
I had open surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a tumor and have been told to go on a balanced diet to assist with my healing. I was also told to take a month off work. This is not going to happen. Just getting enough to eat this month is going to be a struggle, never mind the right food to eat. This morning I had to borrow money from a payday loan company at a ridiculous interest rate just to get me through the month. I am lying in bed with a debilitating stress headache wondering what to do next. I can't go to the friends and family who have reluctantly taken me back nor to my employers who put the past aside and waited for me to finish with therapy. I have no idea what to do.