So, back again. I first registered here over 7 years ago as a 21 year old, racking up huge debt & betting far beyond my means.
Seven years later, 28 years old & have the exact same issues. I have been gambling now on 11 years, compulsively for maybe 9 of those.
Difference between when I first tried this to now is the depression. I find myself sitting in doors all weekend overthinking things in my life when I should be out enjoying myself, putting on a happy face to my family & friends when in fact I couldn't be further from happy with myself. Gambling has ruined my 20s & I'm determined not to let it ruin my future.
Like before, who knows if I will keep this up but im going to try. I have too...
Hi RT,
You could look at as your 20's being ruined, but look at it from a positive perspective and say that this is a life lesson. Yes, it's an expensive one, but if you stop now, you still have time on your side to get back on the straight and narrow. You can live your 30s and 40s gamble free exactly because you learnt a valuable lesson in your 20s.
Thanks Martin67, there is no better time than now I suppose. I just need to swallow my pride and be more open about my issues. I have hidden it for years (although those close to me know I have issues).
So day two, looking at ways to clean up my financial mess without the need of borrowing
more. 8 years of constant pay day loans etc has made it feel normal when it is actually anything but normal.
My story is pretty similar to a lot of people on here. Started gambling at 16 -17, harmless 5er & 10ers on football. This turned into £100s by my early 20s. I know in my head I have had a problem for years but burried my head in the sand and felt I could deal with it.
Payday loans, credit cards etc all spent on making a rich bookie even richer.
At the beginning my gambling didn't really effect my personal life. I had nights out, relationships, holidays - all normal. As the years go on all this has stopped. I struggle to get the money to go out, meaning I am always stuck at home, looking at the same 4 walls, thinking of my next win & slipping into depression.
The above probably doesn't make alot of sense but I'm hoping coming here and writing things down will help on my journey to quit this shocking addiction.
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