Hello,
I've today set out on the no doubt long, but hopefully successful road to conquering my addiction and managing my not inconsiderable debt.
The trigger is the fact that I was made redundant yesterday and unless I get another job soon, will have no means by which to pay the debts and to pay essential bills etc.
My story starts in Las Vegas about 9 years ago - I went on holiday there with an ex-fiancee. Up to that point, I hadn't really gambled - exception being a couple of quid on the lottery most weeks and maybe the grand national if I remembered. I wasn't addicted to anything, didn't even drink much. I enjoyed the buzz of Vegas and gambled a little, mostly on the slots, because it was sort of 'anonymous'. It was only when I got home, some time, maybe a year or so later. I discovered online gaming. At first it wasn't much, but then it grew and grew. The online aspect and the anonymity was the biggest factor. This is probably a common theme on here, but today is the first time I've really addressed this and just want to get this out I suppose.
As of today, my debts have risen to around £50k - about £28k of which is on 4 credit cards, the rest is 2 loans and an overdraft. the jobs I've had have enabled me to pay off the interest and get by with the essentials. The redundancy however has nothing to do with the gambling, the company I worked for is in a poor state and a number of people are out of the door!
As of now, nobody knows of my addiction or the extent of my debt. I cannot believe how stupid I have been and the level of debt I have landed myself in. I need to deal with this and deal with it now, but being truly honest, I am somewhat afraid of the consquences. So any guidance would be massively appreciated!
Sorry for the loooong first post, but thank you for reading!
M
Hi Secretgambler,
Thank you for your post and a very warm welcome to the forum.
It is a positive first step joining the forum and opening up here, it is no longer a secret now but not over yet. The next step is admitting to your loved ones the extend of your gambling and of your debt. It takes a lot of courage but it is an important step towards your recovery.
If you want to talk in confidence to one of our advisors, you can call our Freephone Helpline on 0808 8020133 or the Netline www.gamcare.org.uk/netline. We can offer you support, advice and information.
It may also be useful to get debt management advice from the National Debtline https://www.nationaldebtline.org/ or StepChange http://www.stepchange.org/ Both will be able to offer you free advice on debt management.
Keep posting for more support from others here on the forum.
Warm regards
Catarina
Afternoon and welcome M,
Sorry to hear about you losing your job, I can understand the difficult situation you are in now. Whilst I don't have experience, I'm sure it's a story that many have encountered on here before and you'll be inundated with suggestions shortly.
All I would say is take each day as it comes, and try and add a tick to the chart each day to signify another clean day. All the best in your recovery, and welcome to the site. I, and many others, find it useful just to post streams of consciousness - for whatever reason it seems to help. There's a world of support out there for you so embrace it and be honest. Now is the time to stop, face the music and work for a better future.
Welcome and all the best
secretgambler wrote:
Hello,
Your story mirrors my own-I am in debt to the tune of 60k made up of loans and credit cards-I have decided to get help financially and have been totally honest with my wife-will be paying these debts off till I retire but the only consolation is that I have reached rock bottom and I will never gamble again-good luck my friend-johnnyboy1
I've today set out on the no doubt long, but hopefully successful road to conquering my addiction and managing my not inconsiderable debt.
The trigger is the fact that I was made redundant yesterday and unless I get another job soon, will have no means by which to pay the debts and to pay essential bills etc.
My story starts in Las Vegas about 9 years ago - I went on holiday there with an ex-fiancee. Up to that point, I hadn't really gambled - exception being a couple of quid on the lottery most weeks and maybe the grand national if I remembered. I wasn't addicted to anything, didn't even drink much. I enjoyed the buzz of Vegas and gambled a little, mostly on the slots, because it was sort of 'anonymous'. It was only when I got home, some time, maybe a year or so later. I discovered online gaming. At first it wasn't much, but then it grew and grew. The online aspect and the anonymity was the biggest factor. This is probably a common theme on here, but today is the first time I've really addressed this and just want to get this out I suppose.
As of today, my debts have risen to around £50k - about £28k of which is on 4 credit cards, the rest is 2 loans and an overdraft. the jobs I've had have enabled me to pay off the interest and get by with the essentials. The redundancy however has nothing to do with the gambling, the company I worked for is in a poor state and a number of people are out of the door!
As of now, nobody knows of my addiction or the extent of my debt. I cannot believe how stupid I have been and the level of debt I have landed myself in. I need to deal with this and deal with it now, but being truly honest, I am somewhat afraid of the consquences. So any guidance would be massively appreciated!
Sorry for the loooong first post, but thank you for reading!
M
Hi,
Thank you for the replies - very much appreciated. I've found reading the forum posts really helpful too. It's good to hear that people can take charge and turn themselves around.
Since posting the other night, I've immersed myself into the job hunting process and whilst it will no doubt take a while to find something suitable, I feel really motivated and positive.
And the really good news is that since I came on here and started the process, I haven't wanted to or even thought about gambling. One day at a time of course. Next step is to look into a DMP to start the long road back to paying off what I owe.
I'll post again soon.
Thank you
M
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