2018 gamble free- Dan B.

My new strategy is to write on the back of my last ever betting slip. I will write all the horrific things gambling did to my life. Then I will keep it as a reminder. If I go into a betting shop I will show it to the cashier and get them to read it. I will show it to any one in the shop and get them to read it. I hope this will completely deter me.

I will write along the lines of

Gambling made me steal

Gambling made me hate myself

Gambling put me 20k£ in debt

Gambling makes me suicidal

Gambling robbed me of all my money so I could not eat. I could not buy shoes. I could not get public transport

Gambling made me mentally ill. Depression ... Delusional thinking

Gambling cost me close friends and family

Gambling made me feel useless. Gambling made me go hungry. Gambling meant I was alone.

I must not gamble it will kill me.

If you are reading this I beg you to speak to me and tell me - Daniel do not attempt to gamble it will cause you untold pain and misery which you do not deserve, you are not a bad person when you stay gamble free.

2017- 34 pay day loans.

2017- wasted year.

2017- it will be my last ever bet.

I have a £1 9 team accumulator when that doesn't win £68k I have an entry in sky super 6 when that doesn't win I have an entry in channel 4 pick 7 when that doesn't win. I will close all my accounts online. I am going to give this my best try.

I ve got to the stage where I messed up my life ruined my credit rating and career prospects. Was suicidal. I'm walking away from gambling for good.

Dan b

I estimate I lost £90k from 18- present. That was all my money and has left me 20k in debt. I have missed holidays neglected my teeth not been able to eat healthy. I have never had a car due to money problems. Im leaving it all behind. I am due compensation at some point which will clear my debt. In the meantime I will not gamble and I will try to reduce my debt.

My dream is to have my own home my own business savings a wife and forget the past

Daniel, you’re not a bad person!

Addiction has held you hostage for a long time now & as much as I love your betting slip idea, I love that you’ve written it down here too. Addiction has a nasty way of keeping us under it’s spell & although I know naff all about betting slips, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bet comes in just to smack you in the face.

I can feel your pain & although you are fighting & may feel very alone right now, please know that there are many many people who ‘get it’ & The Samaritans are only a phone call away 116123 if you need to talk! Coming here is a big deal & there’s lots of support so please don’t think that you have to do this alone...You can’t just brush addiction away! Given what you have listed, I’m guessing you don’t have much of a support network around you & so I urge you, find a GA meeting...People there understand the tightrope you are walking between life & death & will be able to help you move forwards - ODAAT

Hi Daniel

From what you have said gambling has completely screwed you over for the last decade or so and taken many of the things you deserve in life. Please don't let let it take any more - you are still relatively young and can turn this around and achieve whatever you want in life.

First thing is you must absolutely 100% not want to gamble ever again - continuing to gamble equals a sad and despairing future life, full of regrets. Never gambling again from today puts you on the road to a life in which you can achieve your life goals. Make the right decision today and don't look back.

As ODAAT has said first step is to get some professional advice.

You can stop this if you really want to. Keep posting and remember you are not on your own.

Muststop123

31/12/17.

Lack of food has meant I ve been sleeping a lot. Today I was given £20 to get a weeks food shop. So I went and got food. Need to do some admin on my defaulted loans and look for work. Take care all.

I didn't post yesterday because I was feeling very suicidal, hungry and frustrated that I lost £680 on the 29/12 and that was £500 profit on the day and all the money I had for the foreseeable future. Got myself in such a mess in 2017 and the previous years. I think this is my last chance. I have to not gamble.

Hi Mate, it can all be sorted but first you need to be gamble free. I wish there was an easy solution but you have to take one step at a time. Stay Gamble Free and life will be better.

Just very depressed at the moment.

Struggling to do much productive on the issues in my life. I don't want to gamble and I'm skint so I can't gamble anyway.

Struggling to find motivation to job hunt and address my admin (debts)

Long old road ahead

So out of it mentally don't even know what date it is today - 2nd or 3rd January but life just seems a big blur surreal at the moment.

Take care all

Over a week gamble free but as I ve had access to literally no money except basic food budget doesn't feel like much of an accomplishment. Still feel rubbish. Was just checking in ........ Take care all

Well done Dan on a week GF, that’s still an achievement. Hope money situation improves soon.

Day to day living on shoestring food budget. Gamble free still but unproductive due to depression and exhaustion from low calorie intake.

Keep going - just about. Trying to find a job. Quit my last job due to gambling breakdown. Gambled all my wages every month for 2 years - finally snapped October.