So I've been reading these threads for a while but never had the heart to actually post.
I'm 19 years old and have been gambling with the bookies since I was 15, at first it was great I was always winning money walking in with £5/£10 with a friend and walking out with £50/£100 for a few weeks/months.
Then I started to gamble on my own, I'd lose track of time and how much money I'd lost on the machines (mainly Blackjack), I'd neglect my responsibilities and miss social occasions because after a big loss I was so depressed which would last a few days till my next big loss. I also found Internet gambling which was a killer, despite only being 19 I have worked since I was 15 and have lost over £30,000 already.
I told my mum I had a problem last year and also said I had stopped which was the truth to some degree, however I was still spending the odd £10/£20/£50 often, not as much as before. I always funded this with the money I'd earnt and would never get in debt by taking out a loan.
I have not had a gamble for 2 weeks, and I have had no intent or compulsion to do so. My pay check was messed up by employer so I thought it would be a good idea to take out a loan of £1500 to cover me? why I don't know.. the day I took it out I lost £600 in the bookies, then went to the casino to try and get it back where I lost a further £750. This left me with £150 for the month, I usually enjoy a good punt on the Blackjack however this time I was bored as hell and depressed the entire time. Ever since I lost that money everything has changed for the positive, I've self excluded from all bookies in a 10 mile radius of my home thanks to B*****d & l*******s however Will Hill were far less helpful and said I had to go into each shop individually.
It's only been 2 weeks but I feel that a huge weight has been moved off my shoulder, I have more spare time, less stress, less bad days and more money.
I have not excluded myself from my nearest casino (30 miles away) as I can easily control myself when I'm with friends just not when I'm on my own. Hopefully this good feeling continues.
You have taken the best steps towards ending this nightmare, reading your story you seem in a similar situation to me right now, I wish you all the best in recovery mate.
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