Diary of a broken gambler

Amiga

Hello all,

I have been lurking on these forums for a while - I got some great advice here a few months back but stuck my head in the sand and carried on. Now I am going to face up to things and sort them out. I wanted to create a diary as such of my progression through BR as someone whose reason is Gambling. Please note that I am fully aware this is my fault and I feel so low that nothing anyone can tell me can make me feel worse. I am also aware that most people here are going BR through no fault of their own and I really do feel for them

So please if you just want to come on the thread to yell at me please don't. This is just here for those people that find themselves in the same boat as myself


Today I contacted CCSC and arranged a telephone interview for myself. I feel so ashamed it has come to this but I guess this is the only way to sort things out for the future. I also attended my first face to face meeting with a Gamcare counsellor today - felt really good to get it off my chest and talk about things. Have also put anti gambling software on my computer so if temptation does rear it's head I CAN'T gamble.

I will update this as I go through the process and I do hope it helps some other people.

StuTheDon

Good luck - what are your total debts and what percentage does the gambling account for?

fermi

Welcome.

I don't know whether you have seen it, but there is also a support thread on the Debt-Free Wannabe board.

Link: ex and would be ex-gamblers support thread

A lot of people who are dealing with it there.

SkintYokel

Any addiction is a terrible thing to come to terms with. It's so hard to even admit that it IS an addiction.

The fact that you have done this, faced your demons and are trying to sort out your life speaks volumes.

The fact that you are where you are through gambling is by the by; as is often quoted on here "This board is for help, not judgement" and you will receive that help like everyone else does.

Much respect to you for taking that first step and good luck!

Amiga

Thank you all

My total debt I am ashamed to say is 48,000 pounds. Of this I would say 90% is due to my Gambling - the old story I am afraid of trying to win back what I lost

Thank you Fermi - I hadn't seen that thread before but will now go check it out


Once again thanks for your understanding

lisamummytoarchieplusbump

no one on here is here to judge you

we have all got to this point through many paths whever its gambling,spending,redundancy, illness etc but we are all joined by one thing, we have debts we cant or couldnt pay

no one critisises(sp) how we got to this point all we are here for is to help and support you through it.

lisa x

Amiga

First update

I at last got some luck going my way! :j

A lovely lady from the CCCS has just called me back and gone through my options with me. It seems that BR is the best option for me. Is it strange to feel a little relieved? She explained about BRO/BRU and what this entails but she also quashed any urban myths I had about being sent to prison for 30 years for my addiction

For the first time in months I feel a little cheerful

I will call the local court tomorrow and start the ball rolling I think

lisamummytoarchieplusbump

you can read up more on bro/bru in the stickys. a few people have recieved them on here. its basicly the restrictions that are on you while br last longer
http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/pdfs/guidanceleafletspdf/bro.pdf

http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/freedomofinformation/technical/BROBRU.HTM

Amiga

Thank you for the links

That does worry me that if/when I get a BRO it will be in the local paper including the amount and how I got it in the first place

dalip

Well done and welcome amigo(yes i know thats not your user name.......just thought it was more apt and i have this habit of changing user names:D)on facing up to things,taking the biggest step ever by ringing cccs and for finally takin control of your debts. Whatever we can do to help ease the journey,stress or confusion of bc just shout. Dx

RecoveringAlcoholic

An AA friend of mine also runs a Gamblers Anonymous group.

Good luck.
You are in the right place.


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