Hi guys,
I’m a 19 year old boy turning 20. Since the day I became 18 I’ve been into gambling. It all started with a small bet but then quickly escalated. I’m diagnosed with adhd and I have a pretty impulsive behavior. Anyway, I’ve been keeping myself away from gambling a couple of weeks now and I didn’t feel any urge to deposit money. Then I received a bonus from a betting site and instantly went to claim it. I went on a bad loosing streak. I took a quick sms loan on 500€ to win it back, which I lost even quicker.
Now I’m not totally rinsed. I have my savings that my grandparents has taken care of (thought it is on a locked account). But I’m so afraid that I’ll lose it once I get access to it.
In total I’ve lost so much money, over 50k and I have an urge to gamble, what can I do?
please help me guys, please. Before it’s to late…
Ya gotta recognise that your very vulnerable to gambling and that your one of the people in this world that simply can't gamble.
You can't win because you can't stop.
The only win is not to play.
No easy solutions. Gambling is everywhere. Keep taking practical measures over money. You need to be accountable for money. Your grandparents need continued oversight of your savings, cos you have almost said it yourself ie the temptation to gamble it maybe too strong.
For me I have some inheritance money but my sisters keep a hold of it in a separate account. When i want some I have to ask and say what i want it for. If I ask for an amount and then a few days later I ask for another amount they will know that i am gambling. That fact alone is enough To stop me gambling. accountability is a good thing.
Also exclude yourself from your usual gambling sites and (if in Uk) register with Gamstop. Also if you have a usual device you gamble on... put some blocking software on it like Gamban.
Remember that once money is gambled away its not coming back. Your savings bring you a level of security.. don't fritter your money away.
All the best. You can have a good life gamble free
Here is some advice I hope will help you.
Look at your gambling like building a wall. Every time you gamble you lay down a new brick. The more you gamble the bigger and solid that wall will become. So time to stop the building.
Gamban or other blockers can help you stay of online gambling. Use it.
Chasing losses is only going to bring more debt. No one here plays to win. Addicts play to keep gambling going that is why there is never any money regardless if you win or lose.
Chose another habit. We are habitual by nature and sometimes we need to get hooked on something else. I would suggest you try a gym. That helps your energy levels as well.
Ban the internet bookies from sending you perks. They will give up at nothing to bring you presents because they know you will waste more after you spend theirs.
Go and talk to someone. Sometimes we need to get our heads to think more straight and it can be hard to do that solo. Find help from here on where you can call. Then talk to a live person who can give you more help.
There is so much more to discover so never lose hope.
I wish you well
Best
C
c43h is right on. You are SO young! I stumbled across gambling at age 40 when I had just established my family. I lost everything my wife, my kids and dog 1/2 the time, our million dollar home. Now our assets are split between two households and I feel like I have ruined my kids’ childhoods! There is SO much more to life. Stare that demon down and tell it you have better things to do with your life. You are very wise to be concerned about what you will do with that money from your grandparents. Is there someone who can be in charge of your money that you trust? A sibling? Even a professional service? I wasted maybe $100K US dollars that my dad gave us. It haunts me every day. I SO wish I would have given my ex-wife control of all of our finances. Please run away from this! Now! Today! Your good feelings can come from somewhere else. I promise you. Every day I don’t gamble now I smile and know that my self-esteem and self-image are slowly returning. It’s like money in the bank for my soul. And I know if I don’t gamble that “money” will gain interest and then some. Exercise, find friends to talk to, come on here and write about it! Please don’t make the same mistakes as me. I believe in you and want you to have an amazing life. If you are not careful, gambling will snatch that away in a heartbeat and show no mercy or remorse. Be strong and crush that demon!!!
all my best, Greg
At 19//20 you have time on your side and so many gamble-free years ahead of you.
Blocks and communication are key. Blocks can eliminate MOST gambling opportunities but talking to as many people who will listen will plug the gaps.
I know how fragile the male ego can be SO I made sure I told my mates, drinking buddies and even the landlord of my local about my problem. I now wouldn't be seen dead gambling near any of them lest I be known as a failure in my recovery.
Wishing you all the best.
Phil
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