Young and Addicted, need help

I am on Gamstop but I’ve found ways around it, I get tempted way to easily and find any reason to just bet waiting for that big win that will never come

Luf,

Welcome to the forum.

Ive only just read your message and must have missed this. First of all, you are young enough to do something about this. If you don’t it will definitely hold you back as you go through life.

I would suggest that you read as much as possible about gambling addiction and stories of problem gamblers. As you read have an open mind that this could be you one day. Gambling addiction gets progressively worse with time with larger bets, bigger losses etc. Often its a big win that really allows us to spiral out of control because we always believe that big win can happen again. Rarely do we get second chances in life.

I guarantee that your life will be better as a non gambler and I guarantee you’ll have more money and nicer possessions as a non gambler.

Ive read stories about people losing everything through this addiction such as houses, cars, businesses etc. I used to think that would never happen to me because I’m to smart. Then, one day, I lost over 7k in an hour.

Good luck

RR

Hello Lufcfan1,

you've done the right thing by taking the first step, which is admitting that you have a problem. The money lost can be a factor, especially in the early days, as it feels really annoying to have lost a large chunk of money. Unfortunately this addiction, for a lot of people, and me included, just doesn't stop. It didn't matter how much money I had, it wasn't enough to make me feel I had to stop. Even when I won, although it seemed brilliant, it wasn't any good because I never enjoyed my winnings. They just allowed me to carry on gambling for longer with the dream of winning more and more. Eventually everything gets lost.

That is when I had to start dealing with life. I didn't have enough money to buy food or buy fuel or have bus fair to get to work. So I begged, borrowed and stole until I did have the money. All of a sudden compulsive gambling wasn't about money, it was about stealing. How did that make me feel? I just gambled to escape from dealing with these feelings. 

I then had to lie to my family. Suddenly gambling became about lying. Suddenly the money wasn't that important in the scheme of things, but more about the things I did and the people I hurt, just to go gambling. 

When the lockdown is over try to get to a Gamblers anonymous meeting. In the meantime, talk to one of the advisors on here or join in the chatrooms.

As you have mentioned you tried to find ways around the blocks so try to find ways to stop that. Gamban is software that blocks all access on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Don't worry about what others have lost. What's important is your story and how it affects you.

It's not a competition to see who has lost the most in the shortest time, it's your recovery.

All the best,

Chris.