I could write a short book on my experiences with Gambling.
I originally posted over 15 months to share my story. Now that a considerable amount of time has passed, i feel it is time to pause and reflect on what has been a turbulent 3 years.
I first started gambling back in 2018. The driving factor that really got me hooked was being made redundant from a job after 6 weeks. It hit me like a train so instead of dedicating my attention to my girlfriend, friends and family, i stuck my head into my Iphone and started gambling my life savings.
During this crazy phase in my life, I proceeded to start placing obscene bets, up to £xxxx stakes in some cases. The physical reactions to this behaviour were unreal, the sweats, cramping, heart palpitations.. this wasn't a 'hit', this was pure stupidity on my part and the mental implications i don't even want to go into.
Fast forward less than 2 months and my £20,000 savings were gone. So what does a gambling addict do best? Borrow and borrow some more. Between the tail-end of 2019 and January 2020, i took out 5 loans from a number of high street lenders. A total of £19,000. I spent the entire amount on gambling within a 4 week period and this is when i decided to stop..Â
I have to keep this mild for the casual readers but if i didn't stop, there is no doubt in my mind that i would've committed suicide.
Fast forward to now, i have one year left until i am completely debt free. I am fortunate to have a seemingly good job and income and it's only by a sheer miracle that i no longer feel the need to gamble.. the urge is gone! This point was proven when one of my self-exclusions ended only last week and funnily enough, i put £xx in, lost and then self-excluded again!
For the new addicts here, i promise you it will get better. You will relapse and you will struggle.. the only advice i can give from my own experience is to talk. Don't be scared to speak up out of the fear of being judged. Gambling is a disease regardless of what anyone says and ultimately, we are all human!
Hi Jacko0991
Thank you for returning to the forum and sharing your experiences.Â
We are pleased to hear that you are doing well and are continuing to use the tools available to you such as self exclusion to aid your recovery.Â
We are here if you do need anything further both on our helpline 0808 802 0133 or via our Netline 24 hours a day and continue posting!
Wishing you all the best
RickiÂ
Forum Admin
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