8 Months On: An honest account

One of the biggest ways I overcame my gambling addiction was through the use of the GamBan app. This app has been a true lifesaver for me, and I can’t emphasise enough how crucial it’s been in my recovery journey. The first step is to be brutally honest with yourself about how much money you used to spend on gambling. When you start using the app, you can watch with satisfaction as the money you save starts to add up over time.

Don't let yourself get complacent. Download the app and take the time to read the instructions carefully so you can install it properly. If you need help with the process, reach out to the GamCare team; they are there to support you. You'll be amazed to see how much more you save as the days go by. Remember, the hardest part is starting, but the incredible thing about breaking free from gambling addiction is that the moment you stop, you start making an immediate positive change in your life.

If you’ve accumulated debt due to gambling, the next step is to address it head-on. Contact your credit card providers and any companies you owe, and work out a plan for repayment. Start with a short- to medium-term arrangement if you can. Developing a 2-5 year debt repayment plan, or longer if needed, should be your goal. Even if you can only manage a small payment, like £1 a month, it's better to pick up the phone and communicate with your creditors than to bury your head in the sand.

A couple of months ago, I experienced a small setback that could have opened the floodgates to an out-of-control, spiraling session of gambling—something that has happened to me in the past. But this time was different. I had a moment of awakening. I felt ashamed, asked myself what I was doing, and made a decision right then and there: I would never gamble a single penny ever again in my life. Despite that setback, I was still in a position, thankfully, to continue paying down my debt and ultimately making a £550 payment, and fully repaying another.

I suppose the point I’m trying to illustrate is that we should never view setbacks as failures. They are learning opportunities, sobering reminders of the consequences of returning to addiction. In my case, that setback made me more resolute. It’s like someone who has taken a magic pill, and suddenly, I’ve lost all urge and craving in any way, shape, or form to engage with gambling. It’s almost like having the “common cold” or “flu” equivalent of gambling addiction—the appetite is completely gone, and I have no desire to entertain the idea of returning to it. I know that if it weren’t for that moment a few months ago, I wouldn’t have this strong, almost anxious reaction even at the thought of spending a tenner online.

Another key to my recovery has been redeveloping a love for hobbies and setting aside a portion of my income for “totally guilt-free spending.” When I was deep in debt, this amount was between £50-£100 per month, and now it’s grown to £200. I came across this concept while watching a financial video from Diaries of a CEO. The idea is simple: set aside money that you don't feel guilty about spending.

For me, this means using my allowance to treat friends and family to lunch, buy gifts without worrying about the cost, or simply enjoy a new pair of socks or trousers. I understand that for some, £200 might be a lot, so adjust this amount based on your financial situation. Without a doubt, this method has been a crucial part of my journey—every time I use my guilt-free spending allowance, I am reminded that I wouldn’t be able to do this if I hadn’t broken my old habits.

Lastly, it’s essential to have a long-term plan to keep yourself motivated. Set money and debt-free goals, and research methods like the snowball method for paying down debt. When you reach a milestone, reward yourself. Remember, everyone has had to start at day zero at some point. If you do just one thing today, be honest with yourself about your situation, grab a pen and paper, and start carving out a plan.

I’m not an expert. This is just based on my own personal proven record of success. Everyone has a different methodology, but if my experience can inspire you, then that’s a great start. One book that certainly helped me is Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Gambling. You can do this—I did, and so can you.