Good evening all. I've been here before but i really think i have hit my low. Same old story; get paid, gamble, win some, loose the lot.
I have just tried to enjoy 12 days off but all i've seemed to do is gamble each day away.
I had an unusual lucky streak and won quite a large amount, but the next day i would be back and loose it all and more and i just cannot keep going this way.
I'm 24 and have been gambling on slots of one sort or another for about 8 years now. It started with 5 jackpot machines, which most people find harmless. Naturally this progressed onto 70 jackpot machine and now 500 AND online.
Luckily i am still (for how long?) in a position where i have lost friends/family/my flat but i can honestly see that coming next.
Today was the worst by quite a way. Over the weekend i had some pretty terrible news and turned to gambling to take my mind of it, which it did, for about 4 hours. When i ran out of money i got my card out and lost another chunk and i'm pulling my hair out at myself. I feel sick and i just do not know which way to turn.
I've tried counselling and using the support lines but just cannot seem to stop.
I really am at my wits end and don't know which way to turn.
I'm not expecting a miracle cure but i'm hoping people can shed some light on things which have worked for them because if i keep going to way i am, i'm going to end up going insane or worse.
HK
hi there, two steps i'd suggest :
1) get a blocker installed ! try one for free for 28 days at link below, see if it works for you then purchase the full version, it's reasonable at 20. (choose the never allowed to uninstall option).
http://www.plevna.f9.co.uk/block-gambling-with-txnogam.htm
2) electronic funds - only keep in your bank account what you need for direct debits etc (or pay the direct debits early). take out the rest in cash, especially when you get paid (go to a branch if necessary). if you have credit cards report them lost then chuck out the replacements when they arrive. that way you don't have to cancel them permanently. order some new cards when you've abstained for a long while & feel in control, e.g. 3 months. If you have a bank overdraft cancel it! If you gamble in arcades etc give your spare cash to someone, or open a savings account where notice is required to withdraw, i.e. you don't get the money for 7 days say after a withdrawal request.
You are right gambling long-term does lead to mental illness, it isn't the money it's the emotional / psychological effect of the self-harm. Each and every hurt from a loss adds up.
Slots offer a very low percentage payback to the gambler in the long term. Around 50% if that ? It's electronic robbery, so don't allow yourself to be robbed.
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