How I got here

Thanks for sharing that and for your desire to give back. I commend you for your fortitude in overcoming what basically is an addiction as powerful as drugs or smoking or alcoholism. My father had a gambling problem but I did not realize how bad. When he told the bookmaker 10 times I thought that was ten dollars not 100. I learned later that he was basically betting his whole paycheck every week on sports.
He did overcome it when he owed a lot of money to the wrong people. It scared him straight.
It is good that you are doing it through support.

Thanks Frog...

It means a lot.

That was some powerful honesty and I am sure it will help someone to read it.

Keep strong and I will keep you in my thoughts.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Keep your head up!

Be positive and know that there are people out there who are going through the same thing. You are to be commended for seeking help and recognizing that you have a problem. Good luck and everyone on this board is here to support you in any way possible.

I can use a little help...I cannot find the link I saw for form letters to cease & desist.

If anyone could post a link I will be very grateful.

here ya go.

In addition to the support group for gambling, it may be worth your while to see a therapist or counselor also. If you have insurance or can otherwise pay for the sessions. Like you said, when you are under stress, the gambling surfaces. This may be an avenue for you to obtain some compensatory strategies other than gambling. With most addictions, the gambling may serve as a stress reduction, until the guilt sets in. Good luck to you and remeber, you deserve happiness.

Thanks, nohiogal

Thanks, dell...I do have a therapist whom specializes in gambling. When thoughts of dread consume your whole being it is time to get help. The alternative...insanity, jail even death are not a healthy option.

Thanks for your insight.

I was really moved by your story and I am sure there are others not as honest as you. In my opinion you have made a gigantic step facing this problem with candid honesty.

I wish you the best of luck and hope everything goes well with you.

Thank you kstaff24

Once I get out of my own hell-hole, my hope is to stay on this board and help others as folks, as yourself, have helped me. However, not until I am comfortable and have laid some of these debt to rest will I post any recommendations. I will only do so after I have some resolution and can honestly give good advise.

I'm afraid all hell may break loose tomorrow when these ACH's are due to hit. I was again at the bank today and was assured nothing will hit my new account.

I hope, at least the phone calls don't start until after the weekend...need a little peace.