Hi everybody I hope your all doing well. As with most newcomers I've got to the point I've hit rock bottom. For the 500th time. Like a never ending cycle that has gone on. And on. And on for over ten years now. I tried to attend a gamblers anonymous meeting last night in Birmingham. Drove a way to get there, to be met by a locked door and an unhelpful caretaker. Not on apparently. So low and behold after dropping my partner at work this morning I headed straight to that freaking HunnyPlay site and lost £400. That takes it to over £12000 in four months, considering I'm a self employed painter and decorator, nearly half a years wages. FOBT roulette (machines in bookies) is still where my downfall lies. I know they are evil but I can't stop.
With the closure of betting shops during covid and working my a*s off I'd had more savings than I'd ever had in my life. It will come as no surprise I've lost the lot. Even at 2 pound a spin the machines are still capable of rinsing £100 from me in 5 minutes. I'm suffering mentally and physically from spending 4/5/6 hours a time transfixed by the game, the wheel and the bar at the side. I'm suffering anxiety and migraines and my all round well being is not good at all. I'm sure a lot of you can understand, my diet aswell is awful. I know within GA meetings figures are not generally talked about but I reckon in ten years I've lost money that could of paid off a 2 bed house mortgage.
I went to a few GA meetings 4/5 years back. That helped for a short while. I always go back though. I havnt had a holiday in 10 years and worse than that neither has my son. All through my selfish addiction. I just wanna talk. With people that understand. I've been to the bank earlier and made changes to my expenditures on my bank cards, which is a start. Be good to chat with people the same as me on here and I'm as happy to hear your storys as I am that you will listen to mine. God bless.
Hi  HannahMontana
Well done for reaching out for support today, we know that the first step can often be the most difficult. There are supportive individuals on the Forum who are also going through a similar situation to yourself, so hopefully you can support each other in your recovery journeys.
It is concerning that your suffering mentally and physically from this. I just want you to know that we are here to support you 24 hours a day on our Helpline, so please call us so that we discuss this further. Our number is 0808 8020 133.
Best Wishes,
Forum Admin
I know exactly how you feel.  I’ve been addicted to slots for years now.  I’ve had the batting in place since 25th January and haven’t gambled a penny since then.  I understand how you feel about your son not getting a holiday.  My kids haven’t had one either because I’ve been too selfish over the years.  I try to log in to this site every day even if it’s just to read other peoples posts because it’s kept me going.  I’m starting to think less about gambling now and I’m definitely heading in the right direction financially.  Nothing will replace the time and money I have lost over the years (tens of thousands probably) but I can prevent myself from losing any more. So can you.  We’ll done for reaching out.  Good luckÂ
These messages have give me hopeÂ
thank youÂ
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