I can't quite believe I am here again. Back in 2016, I realised I had a gambling problem. I was at University at the time and fell into the trap of online casinos. The thought of winning big fuelled the thrill of it and over time, that changed to trying to help me get out of the debt I'd got myself in.Â
I ended up 22k in debt and thankfully, I was able to overtime make a good recovery thanks to GamStop and Gamban. Not only did I pay back everything I owed, but I managed to buy a house.Â
Sadly, things changed when my 5 year GamStop exclusion came to an end a couple of years ago. I foolishly thought I could enjoy gambling sensibly again. The result, as you can probably expect, has not been good. In fact, the real realisation happened last night. When I won back enough money to pay all my loans and credit cards from playing over the last year. And guess what? It's now all gone. I would love to know more about the psychology of gambling because it really is fascinating how it completely takes over you. I now have a great job, stable relationship and everything going for me, and yet this horrible addiction feeds away at me even though I know it's a bad idea.Â
I know I can get out of this mess again, but this time I want to make sure it is forever. So I'm hoping being active on these forums will help me stay focused on recovery. I am now back on GamStop and I've taken measures to limit my access to finances. I've got a long road ahead of me to get financially stable and gamble free again but I'm committed to the journey now.Â
I was in the chatroom earlier on discussing this exact same issue i too managed 3 years without a bet and foolishly thought i was past it and had a few relapses since then my last relapse i did the unthinkable and took a loan out and blew it on gambling i realise with this addiction it always going to be their it my duty to seek help to not feed into this addiction has long as i dont have a bet i can function like normal i realised the addiction will always be their since my last major relapse which was 718 days ago i have made huge progress infact i have noticed the whole industry gone alot worse so it very easy for me to relapse having support on here and regulary coming on here is what keeping me on the right path i have also made a few changes has i had very little motivation before i hated spending money i valued it abit too much now im doing alot more in life and im actually become overly catious as i know it only take 1 bet before i lose all sense i have accepted this and this is the only way i see out fortunately online wasent my issue as it seems to be far worseÂ
Hi there.
You have done the best thing to get yourself back on Gamstop and hopefully for another 5 years? Also, put blocks on your bank cards as more protection.Â
I was like you - did 5 years of Gamstop until November 23 then did not renew and gambled until 1st April 2024, getting myself into more debt.
I am now on day 445 and as you will know, normality has resumed once more - no more being skint the minute I get paid, no more sleepless nights trying to win back losses, all my bills being continually paid, money going into various savings pots each week and money for myself to do whatever 👌.
Having read your post, you sound similar to me in that when you do not gamble, you are in control, make plans and have successful outcomes 👏👏.
I would agree with you making regular entries in your diary and put mini goals into place. These have really helped me to forward plan and give me something to work towards.
Best of luck and will keep an eye out for your upcoming posts.
Pink Lady 🩷🍎.
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