Hello all.Â
Been a long time since I’ve posted on here. I’m 25 and for the last 2 years I’ve had a bit of trouble with gambling. Chasing losses. Not taking breaks. Finding myself Gambling a lot more than I used to and trying to raise the stakes which subsequently lead to me losing a LOT more. The list goes on and on.
I self excluded a few months ago but even then I was still finding ways to gamble.Â
The other night I have self excluded again as I want to be in a better cycle. I can’t remember the last time I had some good money saved and bought a family member or a friend something nice.Â
This is my second day of no gambling and at night time I already feel cravings to play Online Slots. I always give in to the thought of trying to win my money back but always end up losing more lol. Finally maybe after lesson after lesson and loss after loss, I can finally walk away and give myself a much much needed break from this awful cycle I’ve found myself in.
I’m trying to do more exercise and visualise the positive changes and what it would be like not getting caught in the dopamine cycle every night and actually having some money. It all seems very far away at the moment. I find it hard to see a life without gambling but maybe that is the addiction that is talking. I’d one day love to be able to gamble responsibly but maybe that isn’t something I should think about right now.Â
I’m pretty broken by this addiction along with other ones as well such as nicotine, which I’m taking one day at a time, but here is hopefully a lovely story of hope and recovery! I will try give updates to how I’m getting on,Â
Thanks for reading if you read all that.Â
Kind regards,
Dane
Hi DaneÂ
Sorry to hear about your relapse, it is a very difficult and long journey to recovery. As you are aware, at Gamcare we are here for you. If at any time you need to talk to someone for support, please do call our 24hr Helpline.
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All the best to you, and well done for being an inspiration to others!
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Forum Admin
Been there mate and its tough but do your best to keep it going as it does get easier. I've gambled for donkeys years and 'stopped' many times before what is usually some daft little bet with mates got me going again.
A lesson that is difficult to accept for us gamblers but well worth getting fixed in your head is that there is nothing you can do about what has already gone; what you have already lost. Its never coming back and you will never get it back or win it back. Never. Â
After stopping, I used to get to the end of the week with a few quid in my pocket and think if I was gambling I wouldn't have this money. If I was gambling and had this in my pocket I would consider it a reasonable week! Ridiculous really......
Packing it in gives you loads of spare cash even if you aren't loaded.....because you are used to losing what you have suddenly you can have new clothes or a pint or go fishing or buy those who love you a better Christmas present this year.
The cravings do die down but you have to fight them and they will pop back up now and again - you will think that you 'might' not be addicted now so a small flutter wont do any harm, but it will. Its 100% it will. Don't give in for a second...no little bets...its a ruined lifetime and misery if you do. You are still young enough to get out of this and I'm guessing that you aren't married or have kids and if I'm right then thank goodness as you would ruin their lives too. Gamblers ruin all relationships with partners and their kids........its a fact.
Trust me...be strong...stick with it...come on here or ring an advisor anytime you think its getting too much and that will help you through some tough moments and the rest is down to you.
Good luck mate
Mick
The cravings get less and less as time goes on. The realisation is though u can never bet again as one bet can quickly lead to spiral out of control hence why im here.
Make a start and take each day as it comes.
How are you getting on mate? I hope you are still sticking with it.
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