Sad story of a new member.

Hi @depressed97, 

Thank you for getting in contact with us, it really sounds like you are going through a tough time at the moment. It is great to hear you have got a lot of motivation to overcome your gambling problem. 

You do not need to be alone in this, I am sure the forum members will be a great support to you.  I strongly encourage you to contact our advisers on the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or Netline (webchat) www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now, the service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s always someone available for you to talk to. 

Please consider making an appointment with your GP as a matter of urgency to discuss how you are feeling. 

We look forward to hearing from you, 

All the best 

Forum Admin

Hello.

You are 22. I am 52.  I was 22 like you with no friends and alone. I started gambling to have a bit of social life as well as excitement. If I could turn back the time I had. I would have done all the things you just mentioned earlier. I would have gone out and met new friends. I would have gone out and found a new girlfriend. Blowing 4K. That is just man-made. It is only money and you can if you want to do that again. Finding friends and girlfriends is harder and (this is the point) something you can not get back if you waste your time with doing something else like gambling. So get busy and start living your life. You have lots of opportunities at 22 that won't come back if you let them slip away. Depression is a state. You can change that state and I sense there is a lot of want in you.

You can do it!

Best of luck in your recovery

Wow, thanks for replying I wasn't expecting someone to reply so quick to my message. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll tell you more luckily I have a full time decent job from where I can comeback . I used to do everything going out clubbing, meeting new people girls ext.. however I have a disorder mind and I switch from time to time emotion and I just went through a period when I was gambling hard till the early morning sleeping few hours only and then going to work. I'm tired of this now I don't deserve this type of life around 5/6 months ago I was living a dream and my gambling addiction just destroyed everything for now. Let's see if I'll manage to have all my good feelings back and and to keep achieving more in my life. Sure now I feel better then that hell day of december 2019.

Thanks again.

Hi again.

You have an opportunity of a lifetime to get out of this. You have not been stuck in it so long. Let me put it to you like this.

People used to measure getting out of gambling addiction like this. It will take you as long as you have been addicted to get out of your addiction. Some people say 21 days tops but I do not believe in that.

Why should you get out? Because the deeper you get into it the more difficult it becomes to get out.

It is a repeat habit or an impulse control disorder. And it is designed to keep you there. If it is slots you like, read about operant conditioning. Learn why you are there for so long.

I think from what I can read you need to get some new friends in your life. They don't come knocking on your door. You need to get out there and find them and don't give up till you do

I am sure are going to be fine. Just stop gambling.

Your post reminds me of my case. I lived 3 years in the Uk. At the same point somewhere after being there 2 years and few months I lost all the money I have made there. In very short period. I also started gambling when anxiety and depression got me after a break up with one girfriend I had in that time. Because she cheated on me and left me. I lost a lot of confidence in my self. I was feeling less on a man as  we said some ugly things to each other.  I was so depressed. After that It was all the self destruction.. Gambling it all  Poker online  Drinking. . I saved around 15 k after all I have lost for a period of about 8 monhs with working like a mad man. And left the Uk. You are 22 only the 4 k wont make difference in the long run.

I  lost around 20 k savings. And here i am 2 years gamble free. Actually its three but relapsed the first year with around 300 not much compared to what i lost. Have found better paid job and Married with baby girl now. I am 29in few days.

Good luck in recovery