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Catch 22 - Advice needed.
#1
Hi, im a compulsive gambler and have been for about 7 years now. I want to try and stop but i feel like im in a catch 22 situation. i think that i could stop gambling if i wasn't around it all day everyday at work. i work for a high street bookmaker and have done for the last 8 years. Before i started working there i never had a problem with gambling, but i think being around it so much has had a negative affect on me. Ive done every form of gambling i can think of, from in bookmaker shops on roulette machines, amusement arcades, casino's, online bingo, betting exchanges, online bookmakers to the national lottery. I have barred myself from the casino's which is a good thing. Im not allowed to bet in my own shop - which i never do anyway. I have barred myself from some of the online companies that i use but its so easy to sign up to another company, because there are so many out there these days. I have tried a tool that you install on your computer that blocks gambling sites supposidly but that didnt work and made my computer run slow and never actually blocked any site at all, so that was a waste of money.

I only seem to have a problem when im at home and bored and have nothing to do. And i feel like i need to try and do somehting to try and reduce my debts from gambling and the only way i can think of to make more money is to gamble (totally the wrong way to think about things i know, but it just seems to happen - even tho i know its wrong)

Now i feel like i cant stop and the only way i can stop is to get another job out of the gambling industry, which is alot easier said than done these days in the recession, especially in this city aswell. I have been looking for ajob for about 6- 7 years now and found nothing that im either qualified for and that earns me enough money to cover my debts and cost of living. I also have debts to pay becuase of my gambling problem and this has stopped me taking other jobs because i need to earn a certain amount just to live and pay my minimum repayments on my loans, credit cards and overdrafts. I feel like im stuck in a never ending cirlce and dont know what to do?? Im willing to listen to any advice on what to do in my situation.

Thanks for you time.

Tezzadp
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#2
Hi there

This is quite possibly the hardest thing to deal with being around it all day. But be positive and if u really want to stop which it sounds like u do u need to draw urself up a plan. If you have a partner, family member or someone u trust to look after ur money then do it asap. I have recently been to a GA meeting 3 weeks ago and it changed my life. I came out a different person. They are not scary at all and now I look forward to them every week. I started by doing the things which I can affect. 1. cash card was given to my Fiance, 2.) I banned myself from all bookies where I ever have chance of going near and this has worked. 3. I carry very little cash with me. but most importantly I talk to people, GA meetings and family have been amazing.

The way I looked at it was to either be honest and let the people close to me who love me help me or deal with it alone. And when the bad times happen it is far easier to deal with it when u have support.

I think the best move is to cancel any onlline accounts etc and give your card to someone. This will stop any chance of online betting. Secondly attend the meetings. Every1 will be in the same boat as u and u will find very quickly there are people in worse situations and people who have been in far worse predicuments and got out through the help of GA

Good Luck We can all do this!!!!
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