At the age of 42 & 9 years of wreck less gambling I have hit rock bottom.Â
250k of lost money borrowed through remortgaging, loans, lost redundancy pay & credit cards. I can no longer borrow or take out any more credit cards or loans with everyone being declined.Â
I am paying over £1200 a month on loan and credit cards which is just ridiculous. It’s embarrassing and hideous and I have no one else to blame but myself.Â
I am currently in over 50k of debt and 3 1/2 years away from being debt free. I wish I could fast forward 3 years but also wish I could rewind the last 9 years. How can I go from being so good with money to being such an out of control human being? Why me?Â
I would begrudge spending £50 on a pair of new trainers but happily blow 1k on football bets at the weekend, it is bonkers. Whilst I am gambling i don’t think about the loses it’s only when I try to stop it destroys me.Â
I am now at breaking point, luckily I have a good job but then because of the good income it’s made me have the ability to borrow more so it’s worked in a negative way. I have to stop this before I am ruined with my wife, kids & home.Â
My soul and my personality has been taken away from me. I am a broken man living a lie.Â
Hi King. It’s a horrible situation that most of us on here end up in. 😔. I would say that the main thing to prevent us from losing any more of our hard earned money, is to make sure we have as many blocks in place, to prevent us from being tempted and even if we are, we are there is no way of being able to gamble. A good place to start. It’s amazing, how in a short space of time, you will feel mentally and physically better.
I wish you well going forward.
Pink Lady. 🩷🍎.
Welldone mate for seeking help this is the first step towards road to recovery it a slow process however things can improve i have too lost large sums of money to this addiction been gambling since 2006 tried quiting since 2012 however i have had many relapses along the way however after my last relapse i have worked on my recovery and understanding triggers its the first i have began to understand i simply cannot place a single bet under no circumstances block are essential part of recovery and handing over finances for the first few months is crucial it does get easier over time however the past regrets are very hard to overcome which few of the reasons why i relapsed however using gamecare chat i am currently on 318 days since my last relapse within that time frame i have managed to clear my debt and my life has improved drastically for me personally i simply cannot place a bet by any means as each time relapse has happened it has cost me dearly, the illness is life long and will always test me however has long as i continue using the supporr offered i can refrain from this illness i have started getting joy from each day i have refrained from this illness and reading your story reminds me the dangers of gambling word of advice start a diary on here when ever u feel u have a gambling urgue come back and have a re-read i wish you well on your recovery and stay blessed
Hello King,
Welcome to the GamCare Forum,
You have had some well-thought-out and kind responses here already. I just wanted to add that you are not alone if you wish to tackle your gambling and then also afterwards your relationship with money in general. A period of gambling may cause harm but also change how you view and value money in general. Please feel free to call one of our Advisors on the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (or webchat) anytime to discuss which strategies may aid you in reducing or stopping gambling. This in turn may give you the time and space to reassess any remaining impacts.
If you have not already please do also consider speaking to a debt charity such as www.stepchange.org.uk for some free financial advice and guidance.
Best Wishes,
Louise
Forum Admin
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