Hi All,
I am new to this as I have just come to the point where I know I need to come out about my addiction and I am still looking for the inner strength to tell my nearest and dearest.
I have recently moved back in with my mum and dad and they are the ones that I wronged with my addiction.
In the lead up to me moving back in with my mom and dad due to breaking up with my gf (which wasn't gambling related) I still lived with gf for 6 months after breaking up as I was actually helping her out financially. Due to being alone and depressed whilst living in the same house as my ex this is where my addiction grew arms and legs as I seen it as convenient way to escape. I had always enjoyed putting on a accumulator etc but this is when I turned to online slots. And it went from maybe losing 100 a month of my wage to taking out a few different loans and having to pay back 500 a month which I still have a couple years left of.
The hardest part for me to open up to my parents is that I had told them a few lies along the way in order for them to send me money and I am absolutely disgusted at myself for it. I don't want to continue with lies anymore and I am set on telling them but I wonder if there is anyone on here that has dealt with similar things? Either being in the same shoes as myself or being the unfortunate parents that had to deal with the selfishness I have showed?
As hard as it is, facing it head-on is the only way to beat it. I battled it alone for 10 years, thinking I had control—but in the long run, it only got worse. It can change so fast. Just four weeks ago, I had £10,000 in savings and zero debt. Now, I have nothing and owe £15,000. Keeping it to yourself is dangerous sooner or later, if you don’t take action now, you’ll find yourself in an even worse situation. You don’t have to fight this alone and you will be surprised how understanding they will be.
I think you are very brave for taking ownership of your gambling addiction. I’m not a gambler but I have just discovered my husband is. We have been together 20 years and it has come as a huge shock to me to find that our relationship has been a lie. He tells me he currently has between £7-10000 debt and it’s spiralled recently but I know from behaviours this has been ongoing. We have children and our world has been turned upside down. I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone.
I wish he had it in him to tell me years ago. I don’t wish this suffering on anyone as it destroys lives and relationships. He still won’t talk to his family or admit he needs help so it is so difficult to help someone who is not willing to help themself. We are divorcing over all this as he lied and failed to share his good news/ bonuses with me which he recently received. Significant sums of money. I opened his mail as I was literally at my wits end with the money behaviour etc and secrecy. He said he was going to use the money to pay off debt.
The sooner you get help the easier it will be for you to start your road to recovery and live a fulfilling life. If you haven’t already reached out to Gamcare helpline I would 💯 recommend you do that. The support from them has been amazing. I’ve been referred for therapy and the same day had a call back to follow this up. My first session is next week. So whilst you are feeling determined I would say set goals and reach out for professional help.
I wish you the very best and well done for being so brave. Make 2025 count and change your life ❤️
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