So it all started back when I was 20. (Now 34) watching my friend winning on bingo and bragging about her winnings. So I was immediately drawn in. Years down the line I've practically signed up to every bingo/casino site known even ones you've prob not even heard of! But as the years gone on I found a new love for online slots, bingo was no longer giving me a buzz. But recently I've spent insane amounts of money in 1 day just winning and losing, trying to win my losses back! I even got to the point of saying "never again!" And uninstalled the apps. But as you prob guessed I reinstalled. Again winning big then losing. But last night was the final straw. I can't keep doing this to myself. It's taking over my life and I can feel it getting stronger the addiction each day. I decided to speak to gamstop this morning. Installed an app to not let me use my apps. And done a restriction on my bank. And also self excluded. Tbh it feels like a big weight as been took off my shoulders. I shall start as I mean to go onÂ
I can relate as I went to the races for my friends birthday and it started from there. Youve made the right decision in doing what you have done. Just take it one day at a time.
Yh it Really is more difficult than I thought. Like still something niggling me in the back of my head. But reading others gambling stories on here really is an eye opener. Ur aware it happens in real life. But u never think your gonna end up same way. "Naaahh I aint that bad" until one day u wake up and smell the empty bank account... mehÂ
Arggggg!!!! Even though self excluded myself. I'm still getting emails to sign up for sites!!! One really really tempted me this morning. Where if u sign up with £10 you can win up to 500 spins. I think I must of stared at that email a good 10 mins before I deleted it and told myself don't do it!!!
Hi and Welcome
Its great that you have joined us and written that down. A large part of recovery is knowing that you have to be open and honest about what you have done. It must never be a secret from the right people.
I've just watched the Paul Merson documentary and he is doing just the right thing by telling people and indeed helping others. If you get a chance to watch it, please do!
I would say it takes real guts and courage but its more than that. Â You will know the moment is right to seek help and openly talk about it. Its a focus of the mind when we know that the addiction is so powerful that we can never be complacent again. Its when we bow to the sheer power of this addiction and start to take it seriously.
Those footballers in the programme had blown millions so it affects people at every earning level. Thats how I know its not ultimately about the money and it is a complex drug addiction for the activity.
You should feel a great sense of relief and eventually serenity that you are getting help. I hope you can tell your parents for example and sit down with non gamblers to talk about it and discuss a plan of action
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
Oh god I've got headache!!! I'm finding this really hard. All I think about is "wish I could play some slots" but I know I shouldn't cuz we all know where it endsÂ
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