Coming on here after another $300 loss looking for advice. Currently I'm 19 and started online gambling in March of 2020. No serious issues have been caused but gambling makes me feel extremely guilty. I have a strong fear of losing loved ones if they ever find out and depression and anxiety have taken over my life all due to gambling that I cannot stop. $11,000 isn't a lot but if this continues for 10 years there is no telling what will happen. Im extremely scared and depressed 24/7 and if anyone has a first step for me it would be greatly appreciated because navigating this seems impossible at the moment. I just dont know how to stop before it gets out of control.
Look at it like building a brick wall in your brain. The more you gamble the more you mortar you lay between those bricks the more solid the wall of gambling becomes. You need to stop before you begin gambling not after you are finished gambling. This is the simplest way in explaining addiction. The longer you keep at it the more solid and higher that wall becomes. There is of course more to it than that but as you are on this stage on your journey you have a lot of opportunities to change direction because some houses here have become skyscrapers and they are not so easy to climb.
Best
C
Hi, I’m also 19 and in a similar position to yourself. Started nearly 2 years ago and it’s just got worse ever since. I have just lost another £500 in the space of 45 mins. Sat here disgusted with my self in tears. It’s so embarrassing and so stupid but we still want to gamble. If you want to have a chat about it let me know may be helpful for both of us
Im beyond down. Unfortunately I talk on the phone all day for a living but if there is any way we can chat id be more than open to it. We know exactly what its like at this age so if u can chat let me know!
Yeah I think it may be useful. Anything worth a try at this point! Not sure how we message off platform. Tried to privately message you but doesn’t seem to be an option.
Dear @ac3zz and @frankie77,
Welcome to the Forum to you both and well done for sharing and taking action. If you look around the Forum and the wider website there is plenty of advice on next steps. I would also recommend for you both to contact the Helpline or the Netline to discuss strategies and maybe even a treatment referral: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/
In terms of exchanging contact details, please find our rules here: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/welcome-to-the-gamcare-forum/exchanging-contact-details-with-other-members/
Wishing you all the best,
Eva
Forum Admin
if u click that link I think the will connect us via email. I sent them one so if u are okay with that then we can communicate.
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