I'm a compuslive gambler. AMA

[Whatsmyname14]

Racked up huge debts before I hit my rock bottom. Am currently 80 odd days in recovery. Ask away and I will try to answer based on my experiences.

Honestly I think I would have lost my relationship, job and house probably repossessed.

I would like to think I would not have attempted to take my life but the hatred of yourself, guilt and shame is very strong (understatement). I did think about it after telling my husband but was in no way in danger of acting upon it.

My counsellor has told me that I really need to let that go but I can't. It just gets easier to live with.

We aren't out of the woods yet by a long way but a plan is in place to clear the debts. I am unable to maintain even the minimum payments so am in the process of setting up a DMP.

I have been told they could force bankruptcy but that this is highly unlikely.

Would you consider supporting others in a similar situation in the future?

I have thought about that and yes I think I would like to help others in the future.

I think that gambling is seen as a mainly male problem but there are alot of females on gamcare, especially with slot and bingo gambling issues.

One of the reasons I am reluctant to go to GA is because I perceive it to be mainly men there.

That's probably just in my head and even if it was true is that really a problem? I don't know.

I am still on early days as well but the feelings are still raw.

I have only my husband though and if he isn't available for a call, if I do get urges what would happen.

Hopefully I never have to find out and if I do get to that stage I also hope that my blocks are high enough.

What an interesting thread this has been- and very insightful about women getting addicted to gambling which I don't think is talked about very much or seen as as much of an issue. It also shows how quickly these things can spiral- especially if you have access to money! Your recovery is great, long may it continue, you sound so determined.

Many thanks.

I am determined to not gamble again, hopefully I can achieve that.

I also found the underlying causes very interesting during my counselling. Before then I never associated my gambling with those.

As I mentioned yesterday I think it is very much seen as a male issue but more and more females are contacting gamcare with these issues.