I've been thinking lately about why i've continued to gamble for the last 17 years even though doing so has done absolutely nothing to enhance my life in any way whatsoever.
I want to stop but Im not sure how I will handle 'having money'. Ive never had money in the bank, i live month to month and its all I know. Any 'spare' money is in my eyes gambling money.
So ive been thinking why am i like this? I know that having money wont make me happy, I got just over 3k back on PPI compensation 2 years ago and as you can guess it was gone in weeks on gambling. So if im honest with myself the purpose of gambling is not to win money. I guess its my 'escape' from life, funny that cos its not an escape at all... im just stuck in the same old rut.
So im thinking what would make me want to stop?
HAPPYNESS!
.. Or so im hoping...
I think what im missing is a woman in my life and love. Ive read story after story of gamblers on here who are married, have children and it scares the hell outta me because im scared that 'being happy' wont cure my gambling ways.
Am i destined for a life of having these gambling urges irrespevtive of whether im 'happy'??
Hi sonic boom,
I really like your post and I think that you are right, when you want to change your life around it's important to address issues that are in the way of change, things that just help getting you stuck in a rut, like a gambling problem.
Happiness is a big word and different for everyone, but most people know what it feels like to be happy and they recognise that feeling.
A lot has been written about happiness and I think what most schools of thought agree on is that for happiness (or contentedness) to be sustainable, it's best to not rely on something or someone else to bring that to you.
But you can learn to be kind to yourself by leading your life responsibly and in a way that makes you feel good about yourself most times.
How about using that as a starting point?
All the best
Gabriele
I think its a bit much to expect happyness from life in general. If we are honest with ourselves happyness doesnt last for long and life is a struggle but when your gambling you make it even harder for yourself. I am a single 32 year old man and I have been on my own pretty much my whole life. I have stopped gambling for 7 months now and have no intention of going back. firstly you are not achieving anything with your life from gambling and secondly no potential partner will be impressed by a compulsive gambler. If i can quit being a single man thats unsure of himself then so can you. Yes it hasnt been easy and i am prone to depression and low self esteem but im no longer running away from my demons through gambling, im facing then head on and trying to make it work in the real world. I hope you can find the willpower in you, brother.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
