I don't know what my addiction is .... HELP

[benlawyers]

I have regularly had financial issues and have a poor credit rating through the taking up of various loans over the years. i go to the pub every day but only ever drink 2 pints and i always go to a pub that has a fruit machine strangely never with the intention of necessarily winning (in fact winning doesn't give me a buzz at all. it gives me relief that i haven't got to explain where the money has gone but nothing more) i usually just throw money away until i have non left. this is usually no more than £20 or so BUT it is EVERY time i visit a pub so the impact on the house finances is severe. I know this is an addiction and that i am an addict but i don't know to what. i don't think it's gambling (i've been down the GA route before) it's more that i don't deserve the money if that makes sense and that my life doesn't seem normal if i don't have financial stress ..... i could go on but hoped these feelings might ring a bell with someone ..... i get very stressed when i don't have physical cash in my pocket and yet when i do i need to get rid of it somewhere and that is usually through a combination of drink and fruit machine because that 's the quickest way to get rid of small sums

[Andy284]

Hi, Have you tried going to a pub without a fruit machine?? Only a thought, but it worked for me.

[Tower Counselling]

Hi Benlayers

It sounds like you do have a gambling addiction. Even though the winning does not give you a 'buzz' it is playing the machine, with the lights and sounds that is the addicted part. This will also be driven by the ritual of going to the pub daily. If you have previously had difficulties with spending money it is possible you could have that is known as an 'addictive personality adaptation' and this is easily treated.

[benlawyers]

Hi, Have you tried going to a pub without a fruit machine?? Only a thought, but it worked for me.

Thank you Andy i think you have probably answered my question ... i don't go to a pub just to drink ... it always has to be in combination so the idea of going into a pub without a fruit machine would not attract me at all ..... i'm obviously addicted to fruit machines but not Gambling if that makes sense. it's almost like it's an easy way to "destroy" money. thank you for your comment

[benlawyers]

It sounds like you do have a gambling addiction. Even though the winning does not give you a 'buzz' it is playing the machine, with the lights and sounds that is the addicted part. This will also be driven by the ritual of going to the pub daily. If you have previously had difficulties with spending money it is possible you could have that is known as an 'addictive personality adaptation' and this is easily treated.

[Don]

Hi
I went through this stage. I sorted it by buying my own fruit machine, (Not Joking) however silly that sounds. You can buy one off ebay for as little as £50 or a good one for £200. You can play until your heart is content, as I did, and then you really get to see how a machine works and how it takes your money. Try it, it is a great leveler, and when you lose, you open the bottom of the machine, get your money back and carry on. Much better that a pub!!!

[benlawyers]

Hi
I went through this stage. I sorted it by buying my own fruit machine, (Not Joking) however silly that sounds. You can buy one off ebay for as little as £50 or a good one for £200. You can play until your heart is content, as I did, and then you really get to see how a machine works and how it takes your money. Try it, it is a great leveler, and when you lose, you open the bottom of the machine, get your money back and carry on. Much better that a pub!!!

like the idea but not really practical Don ... i don't want two kids learning how to play one!!

[tvdocshopping]

Hi there,

We're currently making a documentary about shopping addiction and over spending. We'd love to chat to you if this is something that affects you. We also have a blog set up with more information and contact details http://addictedtoshoppinguk.blogspot.co.uk/

If this is something you recognise in yourself, it'd be great if you could get in touch. Of course, everyone we speak to we do so in strictest confidence. Our email is shopping@twofour.co.uk, or you can call Naomi on 0207 438 1851.

Thanks so much.