Yesterday I took my biggest step and told my partner of seven years about my issue with gambling.
I have always had an addictive personality, from a young age I loved the thrill of the 2p machines. When I hit 18 however it all took a turn for the worse. Now realising I could bet with all the welcome offers of online bookmakers I quickly opened accounts with up to 15 companies. When one bet lost, I convinced myself I could win it back with a larger bet. The ultimate spiral.
I have tried to convince myself for years that I haven't got an issue. Student loan came and went, largely on gambling and I didn't clock on. Now as a working man in the real world, I have no choice but to accept I have a problem. I would wait for payday, place a few small bets to bump up the monthly earnings and when they eventually lose I try to win it all back until I leave myself with next to nothing to survive on.
I have kept it hidden from everyone I love for years for fear of looking weak and pathetic. It all came too much last night when I broke down and told my partner. It instantly felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. In the short space of time since I have closed all online betting accounts, and started to talk to people here. It's a small start, but I feel positive for it.
There is a long long way to go yet and I welcome any support/tips/feedback along the way. It's going to be tough but I am ready for what it throws at me.
DK
Hello and well done for opening up about your problem. It's something I didn't have to do as I lost my partner before that could happen so consider it a major positive that they are still around. In terms of recommendations, I would say that you should register with Gamstop to exclude yourself from as many sites as are currently signed up. Keep going!!
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