Hi I am Pat I’ve been gambling since I was about age 10 I am now 32. I started gambling when I was 10 and started on the penny arcades, since I was about 14 I stared gambling in betting shops. In the early days I would always seem to win and I got hooked on the gambling ever since then, gambling has really been a thorn in my side for all these years and I have lost so much through all the years not just money but my mental health, I wish I could say I will never gamble again but I can not promise my self that, I don’t want to gamble but it’s been with me really for most of my life and I would feel strange without it, I gamble when I am stressed I use it as an escape. But the thing is it solves nothing just makes everything 10 million times worse. I feel like I have not got control over my gambling it’s like something takes over when I gamble, the urges start from when I get up in the morning and it’s a constant battle but the urges normally win, I feel like I’ve lost control I feel like gambling is controlling me. I really want to make Today Sunday 17th February the last time that I ever gambled. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to stop for my sanity and for my financial issues, I’ve got my self into so much debt through gambling over the years but still I keep on gambling, this addiction is a living hell. Thanks for reading my post hope this rings a bell with you also .
Welcome to the recovery diaries Pat. At least here you are amongst friends who can understand what you are going through.
I would recommend reading the 3rd thread on the recovery diaries called "Want to do something>Read this." It contains information which you might find helpful.
It is very difficult for a compulsive gambler to refrain from gambling but it can be done. Many friends on the diaries have gone for long periods without gambling...Stephen
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.
