Hello my names Matt I'm 32 years old and have come back to seek help advice and support for my longterm gambling addiction. I went to GA meetings three years ago and found them really helpful so im hoping for the same from these forums as I now find it difficult to attend.
I have gambled since I was 18 probably stopped for about a year when GA helped but then my appendix burst 4 years ago I nearly died so whilst off work started up again for the last few years.
I find it incredibly hard as I am forever chasing my money back and must of lost over £40k through endless credit cards and a few loans on the way.
anyway I now have to put a stop to this there is other things I want out of life and I saw the challenge 2015 on the forum so my aim is to get through this year now without gambling at all
Hi Matt. Glad you've decided to join us. Like me you are in that horrible situation where you are basically just endlessly chasing losses until you can't even remember what losses you are chasing anymore. The only way to break out of this cycle is to accept your losses are gone and you need to move on. Easy to say I know and a lot harder to do but that is the key to it I think.
Hi Matt, Thanks for posting on my thread, appreciate any comments, Its day 2 for me, been busy with business paperwork etc and concentrating on making money rather than lose it! You've had a few more years of gambling in your life than me so appreciate how hard it is for you to stop. I know it will get tougher the longer i go without gambling, am then hoping the urge will gradually go in time. Chasing loses was my motivation after the 1st large win, won approx 7K and within months had a £52K debt on credit cards, and eventually ended up in a debt management. Paying back 52K until 2022! That did'nt stop me from getting deeper in as i started using my company's money to gamble leaving me with business debts to the tax man and suppliers that i cannot pay. it has got to the point where its sink or swim now, not sure if can save the business at the moment as am running out of options, due to bad credit rating cant get any funding. So time will tell, staying positive and blocking out the negitives today.
Wish you all the best with your journey and i will keep reading your posts to see how things are going.
DeLorean wrote:
Hi Matt. Glad you've decided to join us. Like me you are in that horrible situation where you are basically just endlessly chasing losses until you can't even remember what losses you are chasing anymore. The only way to break out of this cycle is to accept your losses are gone and you need to move on. Easy to say I know and a lot harder to do but that is the key to it I think.
I too think that is the hardest part, accepting the losses. That your money is now their money. Easier said then done though. Something I will have to work on.
Guys, you just need to look on here to see how many of us have spent years chasing losses...I don't see anyone saying, finally I got everything back so now I want to quit! @ this stage, we are in so deep any money that does come back is not enough & all goes back with more besides!
It sucks but until you let it go & accept that gambling will not cure your money problems, it will be nigh on impossible to stay in recovery!
Let go of the past & look to the future - ODAAT
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