Desperate to change my lifestyle

[JCNL88]

Hi All,
I'm at the point in my life where I'm desperate to change my ways I have gambled on and off for 10-15 years. Pokies have been a big issue for me as of late I've spiralled back into a habit where I'll drop into a venue after work, lose anything from $500-$1500 in one session. My wife means the world to me and today she broke down and just asked why? Why do you do this? I had no answers for her she was so upset and it's all my fault. I want my children to look upto me as they get older, I want to feel human again look after my health be happy within myself. I didn't gamble for a year straight just didn't walk into venues at all and I really enjoyed life had confidence no self doubt. I've recently just gone into the hole again where I don't know where to begin. Stuck need and want to change my ways I'm lost

[Printemps]

hi @JCNL88 i want to start off by saying welcome and thank you for opening up and sharing your story.

It sounds like things have been incredibly difficult recently and that the pokies have pulled you back in. It is an incredibly painful, feeling that we are letting down those we love and hold dear to us, but it does sound like you'r ready to make a serious change.

When you say you stopped for a year, how did you manage that? Outside of simply not walking into a venue, what did you do if you had an urge to bet? Do you feel confident to be able to make that kind of stop again now?

Let us know how you're travelling.

[John933]

I just debuted on the forums, so I'm kind of new to this platform. Glad to meet all of you and happy to share my gambling experience... But I can't make up my mind yet, but the edge is there, I can't live like this.
How do you struggle with addiction?

[Pikachu]

Hi @John933,
Welcome to the Gambling Help Online forums!
Thank you for posting and sharing your story.
Smokey86 has mentioned a very helpful service that some banks offer. I have also sent you a message with some other service and resources that might be helpful. Have a look and let us (myself or @Printemps ) know if you have any question~

[Mike]

Hey guys.
Just wanted to add some thoughts, Everyone on this forum is taking the steps to rid gambling from there lives and it’s a good start. I myself have had many issues gambling, my amazing wife says stop and if I am at a venue I just carnt. It has ruined my life and I am really scared it will ruin my marriage.

I think we all need to remember we are good people, gambling is a fault that we have to live with but it doesn’t define who we are.

Stay strong and if anyone wants to vent or talk I am here. :)

[Md9]

It’s definitely not easy, I’ve recently become very addicted to gambling, like obsessed.. it’s very challenging

[Mike]

No it isn’t easy at all. But you have made a start in the right direction

[Pikachu]

Hey @Md9, welcome to the forums.
I'm sorry to hear you are going through a rough time. It is not going to be an easy fight but it is definitely possible which has been proven by many members in this forums. Reading their posts might give you some strength and inspiration. I have included some information about where you can start in this journey. Let us know if you have any questions or just need some one to talk to by tagging myself or @Printemps in your post. Stay Strong!