This is my story... Im 48, female & was hooked big time. Since going through my divorce about 6 years ago I felt really low and I became obsessed with gambling and trying to make money. These sites prey on vulnerability. Of course you win at first, they reel you in and you become hooked. I won money but then lost the lot and more. I'd end up staying up all night trying to win back the money, which we all know doesn't happen, then I would sleep all day due to exhaustion.
All my savings got swallowed up in card/casino games online and the interaction with the one to one they offer I felt was fun to start with, until you lose and the fun goes to feeling physically sick & worthless. I ended up having to take a loan out as I woke up one day with zero money and my rent was due. Ended up on anti depressants and taking out another loan at a higher interest to bide me some time. I was self employed and neglected working as all my time was consumed with gambling. I was sad, angry, hated the world and thought 'why me' ? Well I know now it was my fault, no one else's Then life got even worse I decided to become an escort and sell myself to earn money quick. I made quite a bit of money from escorting (I was very naive and do not recommend this one bit) but I was able to pay my rent, bills etc, but I carried on gambling, to the point I couldn't take anymore. I decided to do cold turkey and ban myself from all the gambling sites and go down the self exclusion route. Best move I ever did. I eventually got my self esteem back and was able to give up the escorting. I have been clean from gambling for 2 years, 3 months and trust me nothing will ever make me go back to that life.
Gambling tried to destroy me but I came back and fought it. I'm in a good place now, but I wanted to tell you a bit about my life and how gambling can destroy you if you let it. Should be banned. Too many lives getting taken in by all the TV adverts and making easy money. It's all a load transparent false advertising.
I hope I can help some of you out there. Gambling really isn't worth destroying your life over,.
Nikki x
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So great that you turned your life around. You described the highs and lows of gambling and you learned from your mistakes. Well done and best wishes on your future without gambling.
You have done so well to be more than 2 years clean from gambling. Life will only continue to get better for you on this path!! I'm really happy for you Nikki. Great work!!
I'm looking forward to every milestone ahead of me being clean of gambling. Currently on day 38 of no gambling and feel better as every day that goes by. I have zero desire to gamble!!
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