Hello there I will keep this as brief as possible.
I am 20 years old, and have been gambling over 1 year. Although this doesn't seem that long gambling has effected my life tremendously.
Like most people I have always bet on the Grand National, but last year (2014) I was sent to put my families bets on because I was finally old enough.
I cannot remember what horse I won on but I won £10, not amazing but I was pleased with myself as I was walking to bookies, I nervously cashed my money in. As I turned to leave I noticed a betting terminal and thought to myself it can't hurt.
£3000 pound later it was quite a blow.
I was enticed straightaway and found myself going back weekly, then daily, then bi-daily. I was going to casino, betting on sports. Teams I'd never even heard of. Name an online betting association and I have an account with them. I've been trying to stop gambling for over a month for the sake of my health and finances (With me being in £2,000 debt). I've not been able to. At 4am I got paid £900 from work (I work full time). By 5am £200 of that was gone. I've had enough and I need it to stop, I cannot live like this anymore and I have come here for help and support to quit. Any tips would help. Thank you.
Joe
Continued:
I have taked payday loans out, lent from family members, sold things all to gamble, I am sick of it ruling my life. Everyone around me at work where I spend most of my time gambles and it is difficult not to.
Hi Joe,
Having recently blown all my savings I am not one to give too much advice but I understand the demons that you have felt inside. The good news for you is you are young and can easily turn this around. Even though I have clearly broken this rule you can try to live by the rules Time-money-location. Remove one of those three parts and you can't gamble, so you can have money on you and the time but if you're not in the location then you can't gamble. Best of luck
Have you thought about contacting Gamcare for counselling or going somewhere like Gamblers Anonymous?
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Hi Joenorris94,
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for your post.
Like most people, you thought you were going to have a bit of fun with gambling but unfortunately, you got hooked to it to your displeasure.
The good thing is that you now realise the effects of gambling problem, and you seemed determined to do whatever it takes to stop yourself from gambling. I’m encouraging you to hold on to that determination, ok?
Gamcare is ready to advise you on various strategies to put in place, and which in turn would help you to overcome your gambling problem. However, sticking to these advice is very important so as to prevent you from getting bored, and thus leading you to relapse.
How about contacting us on our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers. An adviser can also refer you for 12 sessions of free counselling if you think it would help you to stop gambling.
Our services run from 8.00am to midnight, every single day of the week.
Thanks once more for your post, and pls. keep posting.
Kind regards,
Beatrice
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