Hello all, this is my first post here. My age is 21 years old, maybe you think I'm to young to have a full addiction. I stopped smoking cannabis aged 18 when my new born son was born. I was gambling since 15 without the extreme addiction. After i gave up smoking i replaced one addiction with another, having an addicted personality. Basically i have lost well over 5 grand so far, losing 2 grand online @ ******* website. I hit a turning point around Christmas gone where i struggled though Christmas, and set it my new years resolution. Previous to this i had always wanted to give up gambling, but always used the mentality " ill manage my money better next time". New years eve i lost 500 pound at midnight on roulette, this set the standard for 2014. So far this year iv been classed mentally ill and now have to speak to a pyshiatrist. I am on anti-depressants, anxiety pills. and Benzodiazepine. I still gamble which triggers off my anxiety win or lose. I am really struggling because i like to have a football bet and i used this excuse to go to the bookmakers, i never do this i play roulette. I have emailed all my online accounts and asked to be banned which I'm hoping might help. Now i have to stop myself walking into the place which is easier said then done. I posted on here in seek of advice, help, experience and ill help you if i can. My relationship with my baby's mother is quickly deteriorating as you could imagine, as gambling doesn't just effect you but everyone around you. I wish all the best to you all, X
Hi addict28,
Welcome to the forum. You'll receive a lot of help here from experienced users who have been through everything that gambling addiction can throw at them. Like you say, you're very young, but no one's ever too young to be an addict. There's obviously a lot going on in your life just now, but the best bit of advice I can give is just to take one day at a time. Things will seem quite daunting just now and there are going to be tough days ahead, but you've made the first step. You understand that you have a problem and you're wanting to work at that. Closing your online accounts is a good move in my opinion. Hopefully, that will stop you from gambling online.
Stay strong and use this diary as much as you can. Maybe just pop in on a daily basis with a small update. It's good to type out your thoughts and how you're feeling. It will help with your recovery.
All the best.
Hi addict
You are never too young to get into recovery or stay away from gambling. You just want to be, and deserve to be, like anyone else your age. Get a software blocker on your phone, computer and carry small photos around with you to self exclude from bookies. Slowly but surely if you do what is right for you your life will get better. Maybe phone Netline for a few more practical ideas. Keep reading and posting as it helped me in my early days
Take care
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