04-02-2010, 02:29 PM
Hi Mike
Do you want to stop?
When my family first found out ( after a failed suicide attempt), my first words were " you don't realise what you had until you have lost it". An old qoute I know, but that is exactly how I felt. <!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarrassed" /><!-- s:oops: -->
Embarrassment is a small price to pay if you get the help you need. Having said that, if your wife already knows,
there is no need to tell anyone else, unless you want to. It is advisable however that close family members know that you at least have a gambling problem. They do not have to know the extent however.
You have finally asked for help, that is a good first step. Often the hardest step.
I am biased because I firmly believe that without GA, I would have fallen off the bandwagon again.
However there are other services available in the UK. Gamcare is one of them.
Whilst I am an ozzie ( Brisbane), my understanding is that Gamcare offers free counselling as well.
Compulsive Gamblers must have limited access to money. This means your wife should control the finances.
Don't worry about the male pride thing...Women are generally better with money management anyhow.
Allocate yourself a daily allowance...nothing more, and stick to it.
The only advice I can give you re paying back your debts is to work to a strict budget. If you cannot pay the debts back, I would suggest ringing the creditors & trying to work out a repayment schedule that suits you
better. They would rather get there money off you than bother the court system.
I have been clean now for 12 months, and whilst it hasn't been easy living on my budget, at least I can pay the bills & feed myself. Plus I no longer hate myself. Give yourself time & you will start to like yourself again.
Keep it simple...One day at a time... <!-- s
--><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->
Best wishes
Roy
Do you want to stop?
When my family first found out ( after a failed suicide attempt), my first words were " you don't realise what you had until you have lost it". An old qoute I know, but that is exactly how I felt. <!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarrassed" /><!-- s:oops: -->
Embarrassment is a small price to pay if you get the help you need. Having said that, if your wife already knows,
there is no need to tell anyone else, unless you want to. It is advisable however that close family members know that you at least have a gambling problem. They do not have to know the extent however.
You have finally asked for help, that is a good first step. Often the hardest step.
I am biased because I firmly believe that without GA, I would have fallen off the bandwagon again.
However there are other services available in the UK. Gamcare is one of them.
Whilst I am an ozzie ( Brisbane), my understanding is that Gamcare offers free counselling as well.
Compulsive Gamblers must have limited access to money. This means your wife should control the finances.
Don't worry about the male pride thing...Women are generally better with money management anyhow.
Allocate yourself a daily allowance...nothing more, and stick to it.
The only advice I can give you re paying back your debts is to work to a strict budget. If you cannot pay the debts back, I would suggest ringing the creditors & trying to work out a repayment schedule that suits you
better. They would rather get there money off you than bother the court system.
I have been clean now for 12 months, and whilst it hasn't been easy living on my budget, at least I can pay the bills & feed myself. Plus I no longer hate myself. Give yourself time & you will start to like yourself again.
Keep it simple...One day at a time... <!-- s
--><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s --> Best wishes
Roy