In significant debt and figuring it out

DebtFreeGoal20

I am in circa £74k debt from gambling and I need to come clean to my husband. I have finally reached out to my family who are all there to support me the only one who I haven’t yet spoken to is my husband. We have a house and he doesn’t agree gambling is an addiction so that is one hurdle to get over imminently. 

Having read through the forums today I have found it so helpful to understand what the right steps are for me. I don’t want to burden my husband with debt that is for me to resolve, however this is a relapse and any decisions I make now he has to know about.

Frustratingly I was in recovery and doing well, however I got lured into earning money through playing games and one was a game that then introduced slots. Despite being signed up to GamStop and having gambling block on my account I was still able to gamble.. and I did so to the extent of my health and my finances. 

My steps I have taken today are:
1. Download GamBan which blocks access to the apps as well as any Internet sites. 

2. I have counselling booked through Gamcare to help me and will look at counselling ongoing privately once the course is finished. 

3. Cancelled all direct debits to creditors - reading the forums it is best long term to go into default before coming up with a DMP. 

4. I have raised a formal complaint through my bank as there was no block despite me setting this up, I was flagged as a vulnerable customer and yet they never once questioned a payment and let me pay sometimes thousands in one day to this app. There has been no duty of care or follow up given the irregular and irrational spending. (Please note I am not suggesting I am not in the wrong but having read other articles online I feel there is a complaint to be raised).

I feel like I am working towards a solution, what I am unclear on is whether I contact the creditors who gave me loans within days of each other to complain about irresponsible lending or leave it with no contact and default the accounts. Can I do both? Does anyone know?

Fortunately I have a good paying job however I cannot afford the debt I have spiralled into and need to take control of my life. 

Today is my new day one.

Brie

Well done for what you have done today.  It's the first step, as you know, of what may be a long journey.  But hopefully you will have the support and strength to recover from this.

FootyFanDan

hey, some very good first steps taken today to put them restrictions into place (recently done the same). Wishing you luck and following along

DebtFreeGoal20

Thank you! Unfortunately I think my marriage is over and I cannot blame him as this is another relapse and it isn’t just a small amount! 

However I have to focus on recovery.. it is very daunting thinking about defaulting and being in bad credit for years to come I am not getting any younger.. but taking each day at a time and 100% prioritising my mental wellbeing and getting counselling and therapy in place - I assume going through DMP I can account for that in my monthly spend prior to paying out for debts?