Hi guys,
I started gambling in my early 20s, and continued for several years before managing to stop for two whole years. Sadly, the gambling simply started again about 2.5 years ago in early 2012 and has been part of my life ever since. I am trying to stop for good, but just can't seem to completely get rid of it. I admit I have a big problem, and can happily admit to myself that I am gambling addict.
Despite installing BetFilter, Self Exclusion from all local bookies, and even cutting up my cards I am still managing to gamble. It's far more difficult with all those barriers in place, but I always seem to find a way! It's a really scary addiction, and I am really apprehensive about what the future holds for me if I can't get rid of this problem for good.
In total, I've lots around 40 K of my own money. It's a complete and utter b**** when I think I could have used that money as a deposit on a house. I lost 200 today in a bookies away from home and that hurt - not the money so much, but the feeling afterwards.
I do feel very low and depressed, and feel suicidal sometimes too. I do have a couple of close friends who I have confided in but it is tough - you don't really understand unless you have been through the experience yourself. I have decided not to tell family members because it is something that they would neither understand or be able to offer and practical help or support with.
The problem is I am at the stage where I am able to identify other issues in my life with which the gambling problem is the cause! Irregular sleeping patterns, poorer performance at work, mood swings are just part of the longer list.....all of this is being caused by my gambling problem. I feel as though I don't want to face the day every morning too when I wake up.
I suppose the only consolation of that I do have some savings left and no debt. I am just beating myself up here and feel at the end of my tether!
Thanks for reading guys and any advice will be appreciated.
Hi mate,
Firstly well done for coming on here and sharing! You have done the hardest part and admitted you have a problem! That is the first step into a new life and you have no need now to look back! It is important to rite off anything you ever lost and think of that as the old you! The new you started from when you posted on here!
I have a lot of similarities to you! Very much yo-yo gambling over 10 years. Until last December I had enough and had to take action! I have probably lost not far off the same amount as you in that period!
If you really want to kick this habit and get your life back on track then you definately can do it!
Honesty is the best policy but you will need some help on the way! I know it can be hard telling loves ones but if your serious about stopping then it will have to be addressed at some point. But a friend or someone u can rely on is needed to help you through it!
I confessed all in December last year and although Christmas was a horrible time, my partner and I got through it and now I am gamble free for over 8 months! I sat there in December and didn't I could even go a day without thinking how I could get to the bookies so you can do it too! I believe in you! After all you're on here to gain help, so you know u want to stop!
My advice is take each day as it comes and tick the days off you don't gamble! When ever u feel like gambling think off how you felt when I found this site and posted!
There's more to life than gambling, we just don't know it when we're wrapped up thinking about how we can win our money back! Your future can be healthy and fruitful when you kick the habit and focus on what makes u happy!
Good luck!
Well done for coming here and sharing ! You've got youth on your side and no debt so please stop now as that 40k you've blown will become 40k in debt if you continue on this path of destruction , can't win can't stop! The emotional turmoil is horrendous and can relate to the feelings of despair and even suicide I was feeling that way only a few days ago after another disastrous binge of alcohol and online slots ! I also 100% believe you've GOT to do this for yourself , not for anyone else , if we want to gamble we will find a way no matter what barriers we have in place we while always find away and we can be pretty inventive to say the least ! Accept the money's gone and say a big thank you your in no debt , try some counselling and start living life , try more sport or computer games cooking walking the gym or whatever your into , ul need to find something to replace gambling and the buzz that it gave you ! Take care and good luck , Gavin
Well done for admitting u have a problem I've gambled all my life & in that time I have never admitted to myself that I have a problem .. Until a month ago when I told my wife & family .. I was about a week or 2 from loosing everything car house family job . Luckily for me my mother in law helped out & bailed me out & believed in me . I promised I would get professional help firstly joining this site then getting counselling . Now 3 sessions in I feel like a new man still get the erge but I'm not giving in . My counsellor is doing a great job as she says she is going to re program my brain as it was always on my mind 24/7 . I too was I'll all the time only sleeping for 3/4 hours a night . It's working for me hope it works for u . Not gambled for 3 weeks now & feeling better every day I'm going to beat this demon & hopefully u will too . Start to think of a brighter future & not of the past & the money u have lost .. Family r more important than money . Onwards & upwards from now on .. Good luck .
Hi ukguy - Sorry to read that you are feeling so low, but I hope the responses here have made you realise that you are not alone in this and that you will always find support, understanding and good advice here.
You mention the effects, physical and mental, that gambling has wrought on you. Have you been able to identify the reasons why you gamble? I think now is the time to take a long hard look at your life and to try to see what it is that is driving this compulsion. Sometimes it's as simple as boredom, stress or loneliness which makes us seek that 'buzz' - even when losses are incurred we still go on, abandoning all logical thought, in our quest for the high of winning. And of course it is short-lived because we lose it all again. Such obsession has to be fed by something lacking in our lives; if we can start to fill the void with other interests and pursuits, however simple, often that is the foundation of recovery and the gateway to a better and healthier life. If you can, try to get some counselling so that you can get to grips with the reasons you are now in this situation.
I am sure you can do this - you are young enough to turn your life around and for good. If you don't and eventually find yourself deep in debt think how much worse you will feel. Be strong - it's difficult I know - but you will conquer this and a happier life is there to be grasped.
Best wishes,
Joanna
Hi just read your post I too have a gambling issue and want to stop , take the advice which is on offer and we all need to be strong as theses gambling companies want all your money and will do what ever they can to get you in to lose your hard money
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