Hello everyone.
This is my first post. I'm 19 years old, and I suffer with a gambling problem. It started when I made my first ever bet on the Grand National, nearly 2 years ago. I placed £2 on and won £55. Since then I have been gambling on sports betting and roulette, mainly online but sometimes in the bookies. I spend several hours a day gambling and it never leaves my mind. I even secretly gamble at work to feed my addiction. I suffer with anxiety and seasonal depression. I take anxiety medication which helps, but gambling causes me lots of anxiety. I also gamble much more in the winter to make me feel better as a result of my depression.
My worst loss was £1000 in the space of 20 minutes on roulette. I gambled away a months salary. The pain of that loss hit me for several weeks, and I even felt suicidal. Although soon after a decent win on the football got me back into the swing of it.
Being an open person, I managed to open up to my mother and girlfriend. My mother told my family but none offer me any support and it makes me feel alone. My girlfriend takes control of my finances but I lie to her lots and still gamble. I'm self-excluded from most betting apps but still always find a way.
I have called GamCare several times (usually after a big loss where I'm extremely anxious and depressed) and through them I have managed to get myself referred for counselling which is in 2 weeks. I'm very scared- for 2 years now, I have relied on betting to make me feel better and I feel without it I will just feel empty.
I love gambling but at the same time, I know it is slowly damaging me. It causes me anxiety, depression, financial problems, relationship problems, work issues and even things like eating and sleeping problems.
Feel free to ask any questions or share your thoughts.
Many thanks.
Hi Ryan, we spoke in the chatroom!! I'm Paul. I can relate to your story a lot. I have bet from the age of 16 on horses etc then moved onto roulette online where I have lost thousands. I understand in your circumstances it's more difficult as you suffer from depression & anxiety but trust me you have to stop and only with support via counciling will you achieve that goal.
You need these 1-1 sessions that can help with the underlying issues of why you bet and help you with strategies on how to cope with the urges and also on how to break the cycle of habit.
Trust me it's hard I won't lie and you need all your will power, determination, support but you can do this and I'm more than happy to help you mate if you need advice or have questions etc just message me or talk in chatroom and I will help.
Take care buddy
Paul
Ryan,
I am 25 years old and its my first evening on here. I was 22 when i first tried to stop and tried numerous different things, some worked for a bit others didn't, Try find something or someone you feel can help and stick with it. Not going to give you too much advice as I have not managed to control my own gambling as yet but one thing I will say if you dont stop NOW you will be in the same or a worse position 6 years om
When you realise gambling is the CAUSE OF YOUR ANXIETY and not the cure, you'll start to break free. Start a diary on here in the diary section and keep writing when you get urges to gamble. Reading other peopels stories also gives you some determination to not gamble too. Good luck.
Hi Ryan,
I'm 21 so I can understand the pressure you are facing at the moment, it's pretty rough isn't it? How are you doing in terms of practical blocks. Have you tried self exclusion, gambling blocking software etc? I see you handed over finances which is good and hopefully will help you regain some control of your life.
You mentioned all the reasons why you hate gambling and everything it's destroying in your life, this is great motivation to succeed. Once you get those practical blocks in place you can begin to rebuild your life. Come on here and keep us updated and use the Chatroom as much as possible. I come on here everyday as it just reinforces the idea you are a CG and you cannot ever gamble again.
Good luck man
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