Afternoon everyone,
I've long been an admirer of this site and the power people appear to get from others and the wonderful advice given from so many more. I wanted to share my story with those who may need an added kick of motivation and to prove there really is light at the end of what can, at times, feel like a very long and dark tunnel.
I have gambled for 12 years most seriously between 2012-spring 2014. I lost just over £20,000 (half savings, half credit cards and payday loans) mainly through sports betting (football and Tennis my vices). On the 24th of June 2014 I changed my phone number due to the incessant calls I was receiving from payday loan companies. This change of number ultimately led to my long term partner discovering I had a serious compulsive gambling addiction. The stream of lies came to an end.
She was appalled obviously and we must have sat for hours crying together but she never threatened to walk out on me. We told my parents together who in turn were stunned. They never once shouted or got mad. They were just upset I was not able to front up and talk to them about my problem. I felt so stupid at this point as I could have saved myself a lot of stress (and money of course!) by being open and up front.
Since then I have started a new life and have been gamble free since this day. 240 days of abstinence. I have gone through sessions of Cognitive behaviour therapy recommended by my GP and have paid back over £3500 of an £8000 loan my Dad gave me and over £3000 of payday loans. Yes life has been a bit S****y since then as all my earnings go towards paying back the people who have stuck by me. This is the price I have to pay and I'm more than happy to pay it. I can NEVER go back to gambling as it would destroy all the faith, love and trust my family have placed in me.
Since that crushing day in June I have been able to enjoy life so much more. I run a lot, play music and still watch the sport on TV. I love being outside on walks and cook more than I ever used to.
I know this may sound a bit self-indulgent and idealistic but for those of you who are in that place that I was 240 days ago there IS hope, there IS another life away from this gambling madness and there IS light at the end of that dark tunnel.
I look forward to reading more of your stories and hope you all can start enjoying your lives again.
Thank you for post as its very important for people like me to believe that gambling can be beaten and there is a freedom to be had down the line. It would be easy for you to consider yourself gamble free with no urges and not bother giving back to a site like this so again i commend you for your input and i hope you continue to inspire people who may just need that final belief that this addiction can be beaten.
Stay strong
Hi One4all,
Really excellent post. Your words certainly give me confidence that I can dump gambling for good.
I've stayed clear for over a month now and I have no intention of going back to old negative ways.
Things do get easier as the days without the demon go by.
Taking up sport and hobbies I feel is very important.
2015 challenge has been good for me as well.
Best Wishes.
Thankyou, its is very easier for loved ones of gamblers to get confused, we can have many doubts about whether we are being helpful, whether we can be strong enough for long enough. Every positive story recharges my 'hope batteries' a little, it's good to hear and well done to you too.
One4all - Thanks for this post!! I am in a position that you were in 240 days ago and this has inspired me to believe that I can change my ways and lead a life that would mean so much more than gambling. My wife isnt as understanding which i can appreciate as I have been doing this for approx 14 years and im 29, but she feels I do this because I want out of the relationship which is a long way from the truth. Really well done to you also - I really hope I can be in the position you are in today enjoying life!!
Thanks for you responses. I think it's fair to say I don't consider myself fully reformed or clear of the gambling itch. I do still have cravings to gamble again. The thought of what I and everyone around me have been through (and how good my family have been to me) always provides me with added motivation to never go back to that dark place.
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