22 years old, debt free and lost 20k.

Hi Jay and welcome to the forum . Look were all. Gutted when we look back at losses , peoples amounts differ but the feelings don't , you think why didn't I stop sooner before it all went and if only I didn't do that , the fact is we never stop to consider to consequences until it has all gone , early in recovery I would look back and think about all the things o could have done with the money especially as by the time I'd stopped I was in about 12 k of debt . Your savings pot may have gone but your only 22 and debt free so look on it as an expensive lesson in what not to invest your future earnings in ? . In order to move forward you do have to accept these things , if you don't you'll end up chasing that loss and all for pure revenge which the chances are will end up costing you far more . I don't know your full story , what you gambled on whet and why and to be honest it probably doesn't matter as its all the same but if ioi want to share more at s later date I'll look forward to reading it and maybe we'll catch up again ? There'll be lots of people along over time with loads of advice and anything you need to know stopping or gambling related will be answered . I wish you well my friend and look forward to an update , Stay stay safe and best wishes Alan

J

Great advice from Alan - not sure if you want to listen to a parent but will ramble on anyway!!. It is "now" and the "future" that you need to focus on. You have lost money but sorted yourself out well so that you are now debt free which is a really good starting point to work from and you have admitted there has been a problem. So try and put that large loss amount to the back of your mind and concentrate on building up your funds for a happy gamble-free and healthy future. There are ways of managing your money if you get advice from the banks or gamcare can give good advice. J - You have so many good things going for you at your age and that means you have many opportunities in the future get new jobs more training, travel, still young enough to maybe stay fit and active, travel the world!! I have said this many times before - I hate to see gambling sites luring and ruining the lives of young people like you. I wish you lots of luck now in turning your life around. As Alan says you will get lots of people with support and more advice on here so hopefully you will carry on posting. You may not realise but your posts are probably helping someone else in their recovery.

Be happy your "debt free" take that as a blessing you could be ALOT worse off mate

People bought houses in the 80s for 20k and now it won't get a deposit for a house. Just to put it in the grand scheme of time. Don't beat yourself up too much. Just focus on how much it hurts now and use this in the future to help motivate yourself in preventing a relapse.

I wish I had a sensible head on my shoulders at 22! 😀

I think retirement was number 17 on my list of priorities at 22.

Good luck with the future

Jay, welcome back to the forum, but sorry it's not under better circumstances. You've had a lot of responses here and I hope you keep posting and keep coming back. You'd also be very welcome to give the helpline a call on 0808 8020 133 to talk over your feelings about your previous losses. But here's to a future where you leave those losses where they belong - in the past.

Samson, you've made some powerful observations about your own situation here. Good to see you've started a diary - maybe some of what you posted here would benefit you if it was over on your diary?

Best wishes to all

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