I am 24, have came to this forum on and off since I was 16. I knew I had a problem, I knew I was going to have bigger problems. All the time people three times my age would tell me to stop now, I have a chance. To really try and stop. Describing their losses, not just financial. Family and friends. I never did. You never imagine things will get worse, but they do. I don't just owe so much money to payday loan companies, debt collectors, phone bills. I owe a lot of money to family and friends. People who thought they were helping me pay debt off, but what they were doing is helping me fund my addiction in an attempt to win a lot of money in order to pay people back. Please reconsider your choices if you're in your teens. I wish I could turn back the clock and listen to the advice I was given. I've ruined my life. I'm not just being dramatic, I promise. I have 11p in my bank - I was paid Friday. I'm expected to pay out nearly a grand to not just companies, but people. This is worse than ever, and I really hope nobody makes the choices I made. I've ruined friendships because of this. I'm going to be kicked out because of this. The stress I have been experiencing caused me to have an extreme eczema infection which in turn led to me getting Bell's palsy. I'm so sorry to the people that have posted advice to me over the years on different accounts. People that tried to help me. I couldn't help myself, and it's really all over now. Pathetic 🙂 don't make the same choices as me.
Hello B,
Well done for reaching out on our forum again.
It sounds like there is a lot of frustration at the minute for you, frustration from looking back at previous advice from fellow Forum members and not (yet) being able to utilise it. Gambling is ferocious, unforgiving and extremely destructive; you are not alone in what you're experiencing and thank you again for sharing your insight into what it's like to contest between the urges that you're experiencing and the advice of those around you who have similar experiences. The fact that you're returning shows a lot of strength, resilience and determination in that you refuse to give up.
It looks like you're being impacted in other areas of your life too which only adds to what you're feeling right now. We are here for you on our 24-hour helpline if you are able to get in touch and we can help you break what seems like an enormous obstacle down into achievable goals over the coming days/weeks/months as you attempt a new path away from gambling. If you're not already aware, we can explore and arrange other support too that would be regular and consistent.
StepChange are a charity that can help you address any debts that are becoming unmanageable - https://www.stepchange.org/. You mentioned that you may get kicked out; there are services that can help you with this whether it is a tenancy or living with family and friends. If you're happy to get in touch with us we can go through some options that can help alleviate you of the immediate pressures you're facing.
You're not alone with this, B. Our helpline is 0808 8020 133 and here is a link for our live-chat which is also open 24 hours a day - https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/.
Thank you again for sharing your story with others.
Steven, Forum Admin.
Hi there.
Sorry to hear you are feeling the way you do. Unfortunately, repeated gambling for people like us usually makes us feel like this. 😢. At 24, you have most definitely not ruined your life. Just read through all the different diaries on here, put those essential blocks in place and believe you me, with patience, your life will most definitely start to steadily improve. Patience is the key however!
I have most certainly been where you are now - spent all my salary, had no money for anything for a whole month, lied to people, been given money from my loving family, only to use it on gambling. 🙈.
It sounds like you have reached rock bottom and whilst this feels awful, it is also a great time to tell yourself “enough really is enough” and put the necessary blocks in place asap.
I wish you well. You are young and have the rest of you life in front of you. Make it better from today onwards.
All the very best.🙏
Pink Lady🩷🍎.
Mate well for seeking help im in my 40s been in this hell hole for around 18 years i wish i could turn back the clocks, its never too late u have a whole life ahead of u, i can understand the frustration has debt isnt nice but am sure with time everything will improve, their people on here only few months clean are now giving advise to other people, yes it hard and their are times we get tested but u can do it too am on day 356 and couldnt be happier
11p. Yup, been there before. Many many times. Sometimes you need to hit complete rock bottom before you can get yourself out of this. Have a read of some people’s diaries on here. Trust me, you’re not alone. Many people have been there, some even lower, so don’t think you are the only one who’s been to this dark place. I’ve certainly been there. Lost my family, my home, slept in a car at one point. No chance of paying back monthly debts, scrounging for petrol money to get to work, not eating as I couldn’t afford to. It took that low point for me to really commit to changing.
Im now nearly 100 days gamble free. I guarantee you think that’s a long time and you couldn’t do it, but trust me, if you want to, you can. You just need to put the work in. Contact step change about your debts, they do everything for you, they give you hope. Put all the blocks you can in place, speak to friends and family, start a diary, attend GA, come to chatrooms on here, and most importantly, ban yourself in every way possible. This might take you a few days to do, but you’ll feel such a sense of relief once you’ve done it. Then you will only feel better each day.
You can beat this, you can be a success. You’re not alone.
i wish you all the success in your journey ahead.
Stay strong 💪
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