Addicted Australia

[Primo]

Were to start,went into a tab when I was 16 with a mate,35 years later still gambling.Has it affected me, for sure ,broken marriage,poor relationship sip with children (years ago),bit better now .Total money lost over 2 million,without a doubt,could loose 10000 in a session wouldn't say anything and go and find some money from somewhere and have another punt,gave always said ,I earnt the money I'll spend the money have told numerous people how much I've lost and have a blazeh conversation,tell them I know I have a gambling problem.The money wasn't the problem for me to loose I never had remorse I'd just keep working to earn money .I don't own anything ,house,car,shares I live day to day , mentally I'm completely shot a total addict not just in gambling but other addictions as well, just don't no how to stop .
It's been my struggle to deal with for so long I can't turn the switch off ,Does anyone know ?

[Printemps]

hey @Primo welcome to the forums. I just want to start off by saying, thank you for sharing your story. It takes a lot of strength to reach out. what you've described is something I know a lot of people in the forums can relate to. It can feel like we're in control when we're able to recognise that gambling out of control, but that isn't always the case. It sounds as though you're ready to make a clear change, the best thing I can say is to take it day by day, and be kind to yourself. You've mentioned your managing a few different addictions at a time, have you sought support for those in the past as well?

It might be useful to check out the Success Stories thread, just to see how others have fared, and maybe starting your own 100 Day Challenge Thread is a useful jumping off point.

@Damaged_Armour @Anita44 @yep123 @Hollymonster @Kevcollingwood @Menz199 Do you have some words of advice for @Primo here?

[Anita44]

Hi primo

Don't be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes in life, it's just weather the right time to get help or leave it too late to get help, but most of all you are reach out for help that most important, the rest you can start build up again.

If you have family and friend they not gamble you can talk to them I'm sure they be your great supported too.

If you really wanted to give up gamble, easy just don't carry too much cash or have excess to card than you can't gamble.

I was lucky I stop on time, cos my family are more important than gamble, but I still have the urge now and than I just have to deal with everyday life.

You can try 100 days challenge, you can keep track of your journey and you will get great support from this forum here.

[Damaged_Armour]

Were to start,went into a tab when I was 16 with a mate,35 years later still gambling.Has it affected me, for sure ,broken marriage,poor relationship sip with children (years ago),bit better now .Total money lost over 2 million,without a doubt,could loose 10000 in a session wouldn't say anything and go and find some money from somewhere and have another punt,gave always said ,I earnt the money I'll spend the money have told numerous people how much I've lost and have a blazeh conversation,tell them I know I have a gambling problem.The money wasn't the problem for me to loose I never had remorse I'd just keep working to earn money .I don't own anything ,house,car,shares I live day to day , mentally I'm completely shot a total addict not just in gambling but other addictions as well, just don't no how to stop .
It's been my struggle to deal with for so long I can't turn the switch off ,Does anyone know ?

I was where you were at. Nothing like getting on the beers and the bags and going for a punt. But the inbalance is what made me change ie. For a night of pleasure I'd be miserable the other 6 and a half days days a week.
It's never to late to pick yourself up. Unfortunately we can't go back in time, but we do have control over the decisions we make in the future. If you really want to stop, you have to get yourself excluded from the betting venues, the tabs and pokies rooms etc, if you've got a betting app, ring them up and tell them you have a gambling problem and you'd like to close your account.
I'm not sure if you are still on amicable terms with your ex, or anyone else you'd be willing to trust to take control of your money, because it's obvious you suck at it, like I did :) and anyone but me holding my money was going to be a better choice.
You've still got lots of years ahead of you, so let's get you in order. Something that has to go is the drugs and alcohol. You wouldn't go into a street fight with one hand in your back pocket, as you're at a disadvantage when you're on it because your resolve to stop gambling is severely reduced. This may mean giving away 'friends' if thats what you want to call them, and sitting at home alone. Buy an xbox or play station to eat up your spare time, I'm in my 40s and I was gaming pretty hard before corona virus shut everything down, and missus is cool with it because she knows its either that or the pokies and at least I'm not out chasing down girls.
With the mountains of money you save buy birthday and Christmas presents for your kids, it might soften their hearts. Cherish your loved ones. Worldly distractions take us away from the things that really count.
It wouldn't be right if I didn't say that I find solace and strength in God. When I was trying to find things to occupy my time, I attended a local church group for a piss take, and found myself going back there over and over. What ever, different folks, different strokes, it may not be your thing, but I just thought I'd mention it.

Best of luck @Primo

[Kevcollingwood]

Hi @Primo just take it one day at a time mate, hope you have come back to the forum for another look, you are like most of us, huge problem nowhere to turn, if it was only that easy to just flick a switch, well we can’t.
The next best thing is to do what’s mentioned above, exclusion, then take the 100 day challenge and take it one day at a time, personally tried everything from acupuncture to hypnosis, plus heaps of other things, then I found this forum and challenged myself to the 100 day challenge, successfully made it over 100 then got to cocky and right back out of control.
Awhile later I need to get back in control so I gave it another shot, hit 235 days today, we will fail mate, as long as we learn from it and recognise we are human and give it another shot.
All the best with your journey, give it a real go, you have nothing to lose, only everything to gain.

[Jimap]

Hi @Fukaddiction,’you show great strength by just coming on this site to share your story. From what you shared it seems like you have battled the addiction demon for your whole life. I can only imagine how hard this has been on you to lose so much. I am not a gambler but my ex partner of 15 yrs is. It’s hard for others on the outside to watch someone self destruct and destroy the good in their life. I do hope you have some people around you that can support you, if not, then I feel this forum could offer you a lot. Stay strong, take things slowly, don’t be deterred if you slip up no one is perfect. Take care of yourself

[Wicked33]

Hi, Can completely relate to your story. We are not alone.

This is my first post and just want to say I very grateful for everyone who has shared their experience. It is very helpful.

I am gambling addict, just admitted again for the 1000th time. But publicly for the first time.

Just came out of a self exclusion period and got a promotional offers to deposit March more money. Started with a $500 deposit and in a matter of a few weeks I've lost over $50,000.

Thought I could win it back with every deposit and bet. But of course lost it all.

Hanging in there.

[Printemps]

@Wicked33 I just want to say, congratulations on publicly acknowledging shared for the first time.

It sounds like the past little while has been difficult, it is hard when we convince ourselves that we can just push through and manage it and then realise that isn't the case.

What techniques are you putting in place to ensure you're back on track?

Remember, just take it a day at a time.

[foxkarategenie]

Due to the Corona19 pandemic and lack of money, I started gambling ... I can tell you that I did well, I thought I didn't get hooked, but as I started to lose, my nervousness started ...

[the_penguin]

Sorry to hear that @foxkarategenie ,

How are you going now? Are you getting the help you need to put the gambling behind you?