Hello everyone,
This is my first time posting and I was just hoping to hear from people who have been in my situation.
I'm a 22 year-old male and I'm willing to admit to being a compulsive gambler. I started gambling underage which I believe didn't help me and although I may be young compared to other gamblers I have placed my fair share of bets and felt enough pain, shame and guilt. Enough is enough. Although I've been here a few times when you place that last bet with your last bit of cash hoping it can save you and thinking you can dig yourself out of the hole you find yourself in. But it never happens, I will always go back 'just one more bet.'
I've often thought my characteristics led me down this path, the fear of failure, being a horribly sore loser and the love of sport has always drawn me in and once it got hold of me it wouldn't let go.
This time I feel I have truly messed up landing myself in a fair amount of debt, and it makes me think about all the time wasted. All the relationships I have missed out on, how happy I might be and what I may have been able to do with my life had this not been holding me back. Now I have lost everything I have that moment of clarity where it's so clear what I need to do and how determined I need to be to cut this out. But I've been here one too many times and each time I lose a little more faith and belief that I will ever be able to stop repeating my same mistakes.
Hi @tonyys97,
Welcome to the Forum.
Its really positive that you’ve identified that gambling is a problem for you and are now in a position where you are actively reaching out for support. It sounds like you are thinking towards the future, and starting to tackle things, there are many people here who will offer you great advice and support to help you achieve this.
If you'd like to find out more about steps you can take to block yourself from gambling, advice on addressing your debt and free treatment on offer to help you set and stick to your goals, just contact us on the Helpline on 0800 8020 133 or by webchat. We're here 24/7.
Kind Regards
John
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
