Hi
From standing outside a bookmaker @14 years old getting the postman to put 25p ew accas, to 37 years of every type of gambling you can think of and many some will not even know existed.
12 years ago I lost everything was so low who knows where I could have ended up , So only one way to go and that was up.
I worked hard meet all my responsibilties and things do get better it is there for everyone to acheive, My credit score was in the top 3% of the country I had credit cards with zero balances only used them abroad always paid of in full.Life was good to my level of earnings we could always do with more but I was happy and so was my family , im actually divorced (gambling) but have children.
So roll on 12 years and for the search of a few hundred pounds extra a month I started again , 12 years I had it beat but it lies in wait for the gates to open and in it walks offering riches.
You all know the story you lose you chase and thats what happened to being her now on the point like 12 years ago so in just 9 months gone from good life to depression , debt and a family that are struggling to understand why cant give an answer that makes sense to them.
So please remember its never beaten , I go into war a 2nd time , but I have the strength like last time to win but this time the walls wont come down.
Good luck all
Hi
Welcome to the forum.
In a certain sense you are right that it may always be within us to a degree but it can be beaten when people realise just what is needed to tackle one of the most dangerous and insidious addictions. Its an addiction up there with the other worst addictions and it needs to be taken more seriously by the government. Indeed Its shocking that gambling dens are on the high street and everywhere.
When we realise what we are truly dealing with a healthy fear needs to develop together with the strongest of blocks and monitoring.
The problem with a gambling addiction is the tendency for half measures and complacency. Initially we dont fully know why it is so hard to beat because we think a bit of willpower will do like we can just stop doing that with our money.
When we understnad the addiction the realisation is that is grips us like the strongest substance abuse addiction....they are very very similar in that our brains become addicted to the chemical feelings...thats all our feelings are with neurons in the brain triggering chemical releases.
It is no income scheme in any reliable sense and the big stuff is obviously tied in with ridiculous odds.
Do all the exercises...what did you think you were going to win when you gambled?....really? as we just ignore the odds...If somebody puts a pound on with vain hope that is one thing but we were wired to get addicted pretty fast
Infact I was addicted to the machines within a day if the truth be told and for forty years I wasted a great deal of money. I feel I got no protection from anybody in authority and its a vice or addiction which is not taken seriously by people making money from the taxes.
It can be beaten when facing it head on with strength. An addiction that is to be feared and respected for its sheer power to control us. With a born again moment and full blocks you can do it. However this takes the sort of openness with family that shuts every gambling avenue down.
Its about the pride of saying no more and having no access to cash without providing receipts. Its the realisation that we are not in control of our own minds and urges so we needed real help.
So I say it can be done when understanding and learning about the addiction.
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
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