How can my life change?

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post on here, and today is the beginning of me hoping to stop gambling. I want to explain my story. (if that is okay).

I first started gambling when I was 18/19 or so, playing poker/roulette. But back then I wasn't addicted at all, I maybe go to casino when I was hanging out with mates or whatever. Maybe betting on horses/football for a laugh. Nothing out of the orginary. I would work, whatever jobs I had over the next 4-5 years while living with my parents. I saved money ect. It was great. So I have always had some form of gambling in my life, after I turned 18.

So I remember one moment that I wont forget (for the record, I dont blame this moment for my situation) I was working in a supermarket and colleauge told me he won £3500 on a £6 bet. I was amazed. I was like I CAN DO THIS TOO!

So then I just started gambling small for on football, £5 at a time or whatever. Small amounts. This carryed on for months and months. A few wins. back then they were big wins to me £160 from £5 I remember. Now 2/3 years later im just a mess. I won £1000 on a £40 stake last week, in three days it took me to loose it all back. That is how shocking I have become, I feel a lot of empyness in my life and I think that is the reason why I do gamble so much. I want to know what other people have done, just to try and be able to stop thinking about gambling. I feel very ashamed, guilty and sad. At how I have become, there is nobody really in my life who I could talk to.

Thanks.