Where do I begin… what a journey it has been and I’m most excited for my recovery journey.Â
I have been gambling as early as I can remember, at the age of around 12/13 before playing Saturday/Sunday league my father would go into the bookies, get a slip, bring them back to the car and we would both pick our teams and he would go put the bets on. This went on for years on end and every week I’d have a 20 fold acca that didn’t even have a return on… Fast forward to 18, the access of online gambling has entered my life. I was hooked straight away, I couldn’t get enough of football bets, any league, any time, any odd, I’d put a bet on. I would cover my bills and all spare money would be gambled away. Just before turning 21 I deposited  £1000 putting a 32/1 3 fold acca on Brazilian teams. This came in, and I didn’t get a sense of joy or thrill but a relief feeling. On my 21st birthday all £32000 was gone within an hour… this then started to get worst as I was forever chasing losses. It got to the point I gambled away 60k savings I had… I am now 1 week GF after opening up to my partner, mother and brother and coming to terms/accepting I have a problem and I need support. I have 1-2-1 counselling now, I attend Gamcare chat rooms with great people as often as I can, I attended my first GA meeting last night where I felt I belonged. My first week in recovery has been great, I am aware I’m in my honeymoon stage and it will get hard again but the thought of not placing a bet again excites me. To those I’ve met in my first week and the support I have received, all I can say is thank you.Â
whilst that is a short version to my story, I hope it can make someone aware that gambling is not the answer to problems and you are not alone in your feelings and there is great support out there for you to overcome this addiction. Yes we will have it for life but it is not compulsory for us to ruin our lives to gambling. Let’s beat this together. I am more than happy to share my story in detail to anyone now, just reach out, the most important thing is to connect and communicate.Â
Hi Ben
Just wrote you a huge reply, and I was logged out, so I lost it all lol
Cut down version, Well Done.Â
No, only joking. There is a lot of determination in your words above as well as insight. I was shaking walking into GA after 33 years since the first meeting, and aged 56, I cried my eyes out when I shared. Your story above was very similar to mine until it got to recovery. I am so pleased you saw the light a lot earlier than I, and before even more damage was done. Keep writing on here. It's good therapy for yourself and will help others reading it.Â
The words at GA meant more to me in different ways of life as time went on, and the more meetings I went to. They are a powerful way to live life for the better without gambling. I soon learned that gambling was the solution rather than the problem. I needed to work on the problemÂ
Looking forward to reading day 2 tomorrow if you post.Â
See you on the chatrooms, hoping to do lunch and evening tomorrow
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Stuart
Hi Ben.
it would appear that you have done the best thing contacting Gamcare advisors about your gambling. They are a great source of support. As are fellow gamblers on here 👌.
I wish you strength and determination moving forward on your g.f journey 🙏.
May you enjoy a peaceful weekend.
Pink Lady 🩷🍎.
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