cant remember the last time i had money!

Gambling doesn't work Leah but you can stop, I promise. I gambled for longer than you have been alive & spent years trying to get it under control to no avail. You've only tried doing it on your own & that hasn't worked. Call the helpline & arrange some counselling, get to GA, put water tight barriers in place to stop you doubling your debt again because that is where this addiction will take you. Never give up giving up, don't let gambling steal anymore of your life - ODAAT

As ODAAT says, it's one day at a time. You can't fix the problem, what you can do is give yourself a chance. Don't beat yourself up about what has already happened, look forward to your future - a future where gambling doesn't play a part. It requires willpower and courage, but you CAN do this. I would recommend you hang around here and make regular updates - keep this place in mind every time you even consider having a gamble. I've been gambling on and off for the last 25 years (since I was a kid), it's only in the last 5 that I've developed any sense of control. This place helped me a lot, I know it can help you too. I wish you all the best. Scott.

3 years ago I made this thread, where am I now single, living back home, 20k in debt. Life sucks. Nothing works ive tried everything what's the point, I give up

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Hi Leah have you tried the 12 steps? Have you handed over finances? Have you been to GA? Have you had counselling? Have you been 100% honest with yourself? Download software blocks. Gambling is a choice and if you want to stop, want to get your life on track you have to do things differently. Stop the cycle. I go to gamanon meetings not because someone made me, because I choose to. Because I need help, support, advice, someone to talk to. There's a programme on channel 5 catch-up, me and my addiction, it's about drugs and alcohol but the same principle. Watch it and see how life is ruined by addiction and helped by the steps. Start a new activity, occupy your mind, read books, walk, run, knit, anything to stop your mind thinking that gambling will help you. Find the poem 'I am addiction'. The only person who can change your life is you. Call gamcare, find a meeting. If you want this to stop you will do anything. Get help.

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Don't give up Leah . Don't let them win .

Hi Leah, how are you doing?

I echo all those comments that come before mine.

It’s time to make yourself a plan...

A better life is out there for you. As it is for all us compulsive gamblers.

For every problem there’s always a solution.

You have to believe you can conquer this addiction.

Dan

Hey Leah,

I suspect we are about the same age. I read through your posts and its a hard read, reminds me of myself. I remember when this started for me about 18 months ago, I was worked up because i had maxed out a 2k credit card. Now its 17K across god knows how many debts. It's so hard but I really think this is a great place to focus your energy.

Never give up, because you know what kind of life you will have if you never manage to kick this. I go to GA meetings sometimes and there are guys there who gambled compulsively for their whole lives, and now they are living clean they seem like such happy and content people. And we are still young, so life isnt wasted yet.

So don't give up, Im sure you have so much to offer, you just need to give yourself a chance.

Will

GA makes me angry like blood boiling mad angry, u despise it I hate the thought of going and literally typing this now through clenched teeth... I've never been to a GA so I don't know why I have so much rage towards it, like serious rage.

Hi Leah if someone told you that in that room was the answer would you go? If your life depended on it would you go? If you felt at ease would you stay? If you felt uncomfortable would you listen? These are all what ifs? You are here after 3 years. My husband has gambled for probably 30. It's changed him, mentally, personality wise, you name it. He's done a year clean, free whatever. He says the only thing is GA. What have you got to lose? My life was unmanageable because addiction was in my life and I'm not the addict. GA is going to make you angry because addiction doesn't want you to go. I've seen my husband trying to persuade me not to go, but it's not him talking it's the addiction. If you want to turn your life around you need help and support. That's what GA is.

Leah1991 wrote:

3 years ago I made this thread, where am I now single, living back home, 20k in debt. Life sucks. Nothing works ive tried everything what's the point, I give up

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Hi Leah,

In this post you say you have tried everything and then in a later post you say you have never been to GA......

As MGR has said...what have you got to lose by giving it a go?

Damo

Please see the light. I was an online slot addict, I say was in the sense I blocked all access, doesn't mean the urges arnt there, less frequently now, but I'm finally at peace, no longer chasing the loses. I have been an addict since age 16 now 43. You have to really want to stop, not just after a lose.Gambling caused me so much anxiety, instead of self medicating I finally went to the Dr to get help. I really hope you can succeed. You are still young with your whole life in front of you. The debt will go with time.

Hi Leah, I think you commented on my post a few days ago - we’re the same age. How are you getting on today? I know you’re saying you have no friends and you do end up distancing yourself from your loved ones but I honestly believe you can beat this

Where am I now... 7 years later, back with my same bf now fiancé, living together with two young children... I'm still in a little debt, gambling is not controlling my life anymore, I am on Gamstop for max time and self excluded from bingo halls, I am much better! But still not clean