For the best 3/4 years all I have done is compulsively gamble, every week once I get paid, I pay my rent and the rest I completely blow, and I just don't know why this keeps happing to me, this is the hardest thing I have ever came to face with, it doesn't matter how much I try I can't seem to shift gambling out my routine and irs finally got me to breaking point, sat crying on the end of my bed quizzing myself why I keep relapsing and is this all I'm good for, all the money I have saved gone, 2,000 in 2 days and 6 weeks over 12,000 I have spent, I show no emotion now, have 0 emotional attachments because of this because I have lost all of it through gambling, online slots that is, I'm only 24 too and I'm stuck, completely stuck, I've signed up to gamstop, then I started to use my brothers accounts/sister accounts, found my self typing in Google 'gambling sites not on gamstop, and wasting thousands on there, went through a stage with alcohol and drugs and I'm completely and utterly stuck now on what to do, and the worst thing is no-one knows I'm going through this, people think I have stopped completely, but I haven't. I'm probably worse than I ever have been before, today has took its toll, I cant see no way out of this circle, I don't know what to do and how to overcome it, there isn't enough help available I believe, I spend at least 1000 a month on gambling and have done for 3.5 years atleast maybe longer, I haven't got anything to show for it, no possessions, I live back home with my mam and dad, I don't have a car, lost my house, please can someone tell me what I need to do , there is so much more I need to get off my chest but I cant seem to do it, I need help badly!
Hello Yess.Â
Welcome to Gamcare and respect for your honesty in admitting to being a compulsive gambler.
Everyone who has passed this way will agree it is an insidious addiction but recovery is possible with blocks, determination and the right help.
At this stage it would be most beneficial for you to contact the admin team who will advise you on the help available and give you the necessary support and advice.
I wish you every success in getting your life back.Â
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Hi Yess 123
You can break the cycle when you reach out for help and follow the tried and trusted advice.
Tell people close to you and start thinking of this as a drug addiction. You are clearly depressed and the addiction is often an escape drug that goes horribly wrong and just adds to the depression.
The serious trouble is that it is addictive and it alters your mind. I used to think that alcoholics or heroin users look incredibly sad as if I was well above that. However gambling addiction works in just the same way...its just a bit easier for the addict to hide the symptoms.
You need help and there is no shame in telling people you need help.
You need your money protecting...get the words out to someone...I repeat you need your money protecting...its no good in your pocket. Your mum or someone should be looking after every penny
You have some cold turkey to do and  a serious recovery. You are looking at things in a confused desperate state....forget what possessions you have. if you can get up in the morning, the sun is shining and you go for some pie and mash...you are doing very well.
They sold you a lie...a scam...a drug...you became hooked like millions of others.
You can get control of your life back if that becomes your focus.Why do you see no way out?...you are throwing money away, you are ill and you know you are in pain.
Act now! You are on the path of self destruction. You need loving support and medical help
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
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Hello @Yess123
Welcome to the GamCare forum. It sounds like gambling has cost you a lot both in terms of money and personal relationships. You seem to know you need help but you're not sure what you should do. You've had some good support from other forum members. There are other, practical steps you could take, but a lot depends on what your goals are.Â
Why not contact us on the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133? We're also available by Livechat, and we're here 24/7. You can get it all off your chest and we will help you work out your next steps.
Best wishes,
Deirdre
Forum Admin
Your plight is very similar to a lot of us as you will see. not minimising your situation just definitely manyÂ
people can speak about there routes for sure..Â
Firstly don't try to cure yourself or find rational why or beat yourself up.
slow down breathÂ
when your in it your head will be in Chaos.
be gentle Buy some space by....
Not letting yourself get to your money destroy cards......... (live with cash only)
open/Post office do a savings account with a cash ATM card/wont work online or shops
set up transfer money on a weekly basis to that account of what you need... dont be to tight on yourself
once youve had breathing space... start remembering enjoying the things you love gradually... while your brain adjusts, then get counselling, follow a program to change/add tools to your thought processes...
try and sleep normal set hrs, stay away from sugary food/caffeine, treat yourself to good food, and exercise,Â
you will de-stress a lot.. think of yourself as machine that's broken due to neglect/going to fast/damage you need to mend
my view hope this helpsÂ
maybe some things may
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It seems like you need to get it all out. You can't deal with this alone. We all can't. Sometimes, we just need someone to talk to outside our family circle. Gamcare live-chat really helped me. Mentally, you need someone to just listen to your story. Go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, I heard they are good as well to just let it all out and listen to peoples stories.
There seems to be many young people in the same situation as you with previous posts in this forum. You are not alone, read these posts, and see what you can take away from them.Â
Hope this start helps you.
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