My story of

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(@alcyiwx4j6)
Posts: 12
Topic starter
 

Hi everyone, I have been severely struggling with gambling since the age of 18/19, now 31. However, it all started with small football accas when I was around 12 removed link As I am sure many of you can relate to!

Today I have decided to come on GamCare, my first time, to do something differently this time. This is my second day of no gambling. 

I have lost my first house, purchased in 2020 through gambling. It has destroyed my long 7 year relationship and I have now during this relapse, built up so much debt that I need to look at entering an IVA or debt management plan. 

More so the person that I become when I gamble, I really don't like. The scary part is that I seem to take a step forward, then ten back! Latest occasion I didnt gamble for 5 months, now I have just taken the best part of 20k in loans. I work a normal job, and the debt is now massively overwhelming. 

Hope to touch base with some of you, to support each other. 

Cheers

 
Posted : 9th September 2025 3:04 pm
(@08uy7jeoah)
Posts: 14
 

Hello mate.

 

i can relate to several things you have said here around the sports betting and how it spirals and struggling to process it all when most other aspects of life are ‘normal’. 

I’ve tried to think more about my triggers this time around, unforeseen bills and unhappiness at work have not helped me, but they are not excuses, just context. I’ve just put my wife on my bank account now and I’d say getting a family member on there might be a good way forward.

Cheers

 
Posted : 10th September 2025 9:58 am
(@alcyiwx4j6)
Posts: 12
Topic starter
 

@08uy7jeoah nice to speak to you my friend. It really is a terrible self destroying habit! How long has it been since you have gambled? 💪

 
Posted : 10th September 2025 6:17 pm
(@08uy7jeoah)
Posts: 14
 

@alcyiwx4j6 it is mate. Not done anything for a week now. I always find building time and distance again away from it is a good starting point and then getting the good things in life in place to stabilise. How about you?

 
Posted : 12th September 2025 7:12 am
(@alcyiwx4j6)
Posts: 12
Topic starter
 

@08uy7jeoah good going that mate 💪 how you getting on towards end of this week? Monday I decided to make a change. After 2-3 months of non stop sports betting.

 
Posted : 13th September 2025 7:13 am
(@celxbhjp2a)
Posts: 3
 

Hello, I'm clean with a 87 days and had a 15-year membership. I've lost a lot, too. The first thing you need to do is forget your losses and accept that gambling losses are a disease. Seeking support from a psychologist who specializes in this area will help you continue the process. Understanding the deficits in the brain caused by gambling will help you understand what you're dealing with. Addiction controls behavior because it damages the control areas located in the anterior part of the longevity area.

 
Posted : 15th September 2025 2:08 am
(@08uy7jeoah)
Posts: 14
 

Hello mate how you doing this week? I’ve been on a better track since we last spoke, getting some input from peer support too which I’m pleased about. Hope you’re doing okay. 

 
Posted : 23rd September 2025 1:27 pm
AlwaysForwards
(@alwaysforwards)
Posts: 35
 

@alcyiwx4j6 

Hi mate, hope all is still going well, VERY similar story to mine (Just posted a new topic in the same section regarding my story) - Keep going at it, you'll feel incredible once gambling is out of your life 

 
Posted : 3rd October 2025 3:29 pm
(@alcyiwx4j6)
Posts: 12
Topic starter
 

@08uy7jeoah hi mate how are you getting on? Sorry I still don’t really feel familiar with this site and missed your comment.

 
Posted : 9th October 2025 9:54 am
(@08uy7jeoah)
Posts: 14
 

Hi mate no worries at all, I’m a bit similar to be honest, I comment then miss responses! Still steady at the moment, had a session with Beacon this week and got a peer aid one tomorrow. Struggling still with ruminating on losses and my behaviour, but trying to be patient. How are you doing/getting on? 

 
Posted : 9th October 2025 10:40 am

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