need to tell my mom about my gambling addiction

Hello, i am a single mother of 1 and currently live with my mom due to COVID, i recently acquired a new job where i make good money however, i have lost 60k in the last 4 months gambling. My gambling has become so bad, i took money out of my mom and I business account and lost it. Our business account currently has -2500 in it and ive been lying to my mom about it. I need to come clean to her about my addiction or else i will not be able to stop on my own. i'm to scared to tell her because i know she will be disappointed. I first told her i lost 400 when i started gambling a few months ago and she would not speak to me for 4 days after that. My addiction has gotten so bad i've had 4 credit cards closed and i know i need help

Welcome Kiozano822 ,

I'm so sorry you're going through this . Gambling addiction is a brutal disease but there is hope and there is recovery .

I know it's going to be hard to tell your Mom . I can tell you this though - as painful as it is to come clean , you will feel a great weight lifted from your shoulders once you've done it . Please allow her to be angry and disappointed . It will take time for her to get past that stage . It will take even longer to regain her trust . But it can be done .

It will help if you have a plan to show her . Make a repayment schedule in writing . Turn over your credit cards to her or cut them up in front of her . If you're gambling online , install a site blocker on all your devices and let her set the password . It may helpful to turn over control of your finances to her if you feel you can safely do so . You can't gamble with no money .

After she's processed this whole situation , ask her to look into Gam Anon - if not in person , then online . It will give her great insight into the difference between addiction and simply bad choices or habits . Addiction is not a choice , it's a disease . Make it clear that you need and want help to overcome this and you will actively seek that help .

Please be kind to yourself too . Fighting this battle takes strength and courage . And you are not alone . There is no judgement here and our community is encouraging and supportive . It may be rather quiet here at the moment but we'll be here for you every step of the way .

You have made the decision to take back your life . No matter how bad you're feeling about where you are now , you can and should be proud of that . I'm proud of you for taking this first step .

Stay strong . Your future is before you and you have the power to decide what it will be .

Welcome to the forum Kiozano822,

When speaking to others about this disease, I find the hardest hurdle is disclosing our actions to someone close. To other GA members and this forum, it is pretty easy. But to family, that is a different ball park. Our addiction grew in the shadows and none of us want anyone to find out about it. I wanted to take this secret to my grave if I could, but unfortunately my wife found out and my world crumbled. Even though my life was in rubbles, I know what my life would be like now if she didn't find out.
As difficult as it may seem, disclosing everything and telling her is the right decision. Letting her know, will give you accountability. NewSunRising gave some great advice and there is a Strategies thread on this forum that has a wealth of knowledge.
Sometimes it is good to get some feelings off your chest, so feel free to post on this forum often.

We will be with you through this journey!