Hi everyone my name is megan and im 22. Very new to being this open as I have hidden my gambling addiction for 3 years from my friends and family until January this year.
I've been gambling on and off for the last 3 years and it all started when i met my ex partner back in 2013. He introduced me into gambling after i seen him win incredible amounts of money on online slots. i decided to sign up to a website and deposit £10, i went onto a game done a £5 spin and won a 4 figure amount, I was in shock. My addiciton escalated from there on. I've used family, friends, boyfriends, credit cards, loans, overdrafts to help me get out of debt or even sometimes it has made my debt worse as I use the extra money to gamble. i have won incredible amounts of money, i dont even want to know or think about how much ive lost to gain then lose it all again.
In january this year i finally told my mum and dad as i was in 3 grands worth of debt. Im so lucky to have them as i know a lot of people on here dont have much support. My parents paid off my debt and took control of my bank account for 4 months where i didnt gamble at all. In May i felt i was ready to gain control of my account again which was a very bad idea. I now have a £400 overdraft and I cant bring myself to tell my parent's and cause them more dissapointment. I have been hiding it from them but i need to tell them as i am currently experiencing very bad suicidal thought and scared i will do something i regret. I need to sort myself out and i know its going to take time but im willing to do all it takes to overcome my gambling addiction.
Hi Megan, if you feel you can't talk to your parents please call the helpline or talk to a trusted friend. Don't keep this to yourself. Without sounding patronising bur probably will!! Your parents may be disappointed and worried but they will be thankful that you turned to them for help, no one wants to see their child unhappy. Best wishes and take care S 🙂
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