Gambling has often been that crutch for me that rears it's head when times are hard in life. I in no way have had it "the worst", but life has been a tad harsh overall. Death of my close family members at young ages, having problems with anxiety and Aspergers and of course, the lack of support because of funding cuts.
Missing out on those things people so often take for granted.... A chat with a close family member, being able to enjoy a coffee at a coffee shop, seeing friends and so on.
There's nothing worse than saving some money up, having nothing to spend it on, but living with the hope I get the right support and assistance, which doesn't happen, then on 1 ridiculously low day blowing the lot gambling.
That was how yesterday happened....
I hadn't gambled at all in ages. I have signed up for gamstop so can't gamble online (which was my main way of gambling).
Yesterday I had enough. The stress of filling in an ESA re-assessment form. The stress of my ex girlfriend owing me money but not paying up. The stress of feeling so drained and tired because I'm struggling to sleep well at night.
I'm no violent person but was so close to putting my fist through the door. I needed that stress gone. It wasn't like I could phone my dead mother or non existent friends for a chat.
I needed something, anything. That thought was get off to the pub, neck a few pints, have that buzz. What other option did I have? Reading a book won't cut it, nor will watching tv or going to sleep.
At the pub I had 3 pints, then noticed I had £50 in my wallet. Yep.... gambling happened on the fruit machine.....
£50 down, went to cashpoint, took out £100, lost that.... back to cashpoint, took out £50.... lost....back to cashpoint.... took out the last £60 in my bank.... lost.....
Sadly it's bill day today and yep, i'm unauthorised overdrawn costing me about £90 in charges. Lovely.
So all in all, that causes more stress and i'm just feeling numb.
What can I even do? Of course I have to move on from it, but i'm almost powerless. The support isn't there, nothing changes.
Hello hurse1959,
Welcome to the Forum. It sounds like you are really struggling with gambling. I am sorry to hear that things are challenging for you at the moment but gambling only puts you in a worse situation.
There is a lot of support available so, I would like to encourage you to get in touch with us and speak to an adviser. There are things you can do like block your access to gambling. We also provide free counselling sessions. I hope you take the next step and contact us. We are open from 8am until midnight, seven days a week.
Wishing you all the best,
Forum Admin
i was in a similar situation in august in 2 hours i took out 300 pounds from cash machine untill i couldnt get anymore out then lost it all in a pub machine. I've come to the conclusion that going to pubs just has to stop as its the only way i gamble so im now 75 days gamble free and tee total and altho i could murder a cider it simply wouldnt help me. We just have to find better more healthy ways to release stress. Its difficult but good luck i hope you find this helpfull, adam
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.
