My name is mike 23 gambled since I was 18.since then life's has completely changed put on weight,stopped all hobbies don't go out anywhere other than to gamble and in thousands and thousands of debt. My life has been absolutely terrible since 18. Just can't seem to kick this terrible habit. Have no responsibilities pay no rent as stilll live at home with parents in Leeds. Currently owe parents 13000 and have recently taken out 4000 of payday loans which most of it has gone on gambling. Really don't know where to start. Betting on football and all sports just can't seem to get away from it all. Get more money tell myself I'll stop then start chasing. Worked since I was 18 and now without a job and in an absolutely state. Know I have to start again and get out of this rut but feels so hard and the thoughts and feelings I get at the moment are terrible. Have no friends and parents don't trust me atall because of this terrible addiction I have made there lives hell. Really just don't know how to start again. Feel so vulnerable as if something could just tip me over the edge for good. Really have no will,power atall just cave into all temptations. Very disturbing as I never used to be like this growing up. Can never keep hold of my money
Hi Mike, welcome to the forum 🙂
Sorry to hear you’re feeling so low but finding this place can be your new chapter! The Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116123 if you ever need to talk. Being isolated and trapped in addiction is terrifying & the quickest way of getting support is to phone the GamCare helpline during the day...They can provide instant advice as well as hook you (& your loved ones up if they want it) with some counselling. Personally, if I were you, I would get online & find a GA meeting because people there will understand like your family can’t. Gambling can take us to places where no-one can trust us, least of all ourselves but we can turn that into a positive by getting help & being better than these poor expectations everyone has without having to be perfect.
I am almost twice your age & gambled since my teens but I’m turning it around & you can too! Willpower is pretty lousy when it comes to dealing with addiction & I haven’t ‘met’ anyone yet who has been able to get themselves out of the mess that they got into with addiction. Don’t beat yourself up about the past, you can’t change it. You can have a say over your future - ODAAT
Hi mike, sorry to hear your story. You are young enough to turn this around. As Odaat says call gamcare today. I'm wife of cg and I go to gamanon which is for relatives of the gambler. I would strongly suggest that your parents get some help too. You are all caught up in the cycle of compulsive gambling. It really does help. There are many parents at my meeting, more than wives/partners. If you all get strong together, get support you can stop this. All your feelings come from gambling and the sooner you stop the sooner you will recover. Don't waste anymore time. Good luck!
Hello Mike,
Well done for posting your story on the forum. If you like, you could start an online diary in the 'Recovery diaries' section, or join one of the 'Challenge' threads here in the 'Overcoming' section, or join one of our group chatrooms for a chat in real time: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/new-extended-chatroom-hours
It sounds like you've been feeling quite low emotionally, and you've mentioned some challenging circumstances including unemployment, debt and a lack of social contacts. Please consider the suggestions of your peers on the forum, and look at increasing your support network. You've mentioned recently taking out payday loans, you could talk with a free debt advice service about that, for example StepChange 0800 138 1111 or the National Debtline 0808 808 4000. As well as perhaps talking with your GP about your feelings, and looking at GA meetings, you might be interested to know that GamCare is partnered with a counselling agency that offers free therapy sessions in Leeds. If you prefer online support, GamCare offers online therapy sessions by video link, including group therapy in the evenings if you prefer that.
You're welcome to talk with us on 0808 8020 133, for emotional support, information about self-help/recovery methods, details of local GA meetings, and if you like we can facilitate a referral for free 1-2-1 counselling appointments.
Take care,
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