Hi guys,
first post for me, I wont focus too much on how I got here and how long, but the basics are I am 24 and been gambling since a very young age, I have did it all from sports that I have never heard of to betting 20 on the flip of a coin, no matter what it is I get a buzz!
the reason I am here now is I have realised this needs to stop, I have been given my chance too many times and I never seem to change or make it out the other end, I have a very good paying job, girlfriend and a decent life if I would let it be. The main reason I am here now and why I want help so bad is I am past the stage of chasing that big win, I have had it, I won 60k on the online slots a few months back and within 3 days it was gone, only last night I won another 10k guess what again it is gone and I still have 8k of debt? 🙁
I guess any advice or help would be appreciated, I want to learn to forget about what I have won/lost/gambled and put it down to a bad patch in my life and move on, question is how do I do it? gambling has been my life for 10+ years now, I spend my wage the same day I get it, I live everyday gambling and living on the edge of being skint one month or rich one month!
I am starting to lose control of where I am now so I will leave it at that. I don't and cant respect money or how lucky I am to have what I have in life and that is what I want to be able to do!
thank you
Ste
Hi Stevie,
Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. Well done for reaching out and speaking about your problem, and it sounds like you're ready to start addressing things now and improving your life.
To start with something practical, have you thought about downloading blocking software for the online stuff? Programs like Gamblock or Betfilter would prevent any gambling sites from opening on your computer, and they're a good way to put up a barrier to gambling and give yourself some breathing space. Beyond that, though, it really sounds like you'd benefit from individual counselling. That could help you sort out any underlying issues for why you gamble like this and help you understand yourself better, and help you with ways to manage the urges to gamble more effectively. It could also help you redefine and improve your relationship with money, which sounds like something you struggle with. If counselling is something you might be interested in, we have partner agencies in many parts of the country that we could point you towards, and it wouldn't cost you anything.
If any of this sounds like something you'd like to hear more about, feel free to get in touch with us on either the Netline or the Helpline (0808 8020 133) from 8am to midnight any day of the week.
I hope you're finding the forum to be a supportive place. You're certainly not alone with this, Stevie, and things can get better.
Hang in there,
Travis
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