My gambling addiction started 6 months ago when I won ВЈ6000 with a £20 deposit on slots online. I thought I got lucky but now I know it was the worst thing that could have happened.
I had never gambled before and this was a one off as a friend told me she had won some money recently.
6 months down the line I have lost all my winnings plus created a big debt which I never had before.
I am sensible with money, I consider twice spending ВЈ30 on a new handbag, but I happily spend £1000 on slots in a few hours.
I have not told anyone about this and I'm trying to help myself by self excluding etc, but it seems as it is not working as I lost a lot of money today again.
I have been feeling depressed and lost interest into everything, including my studies in which I use to be very successful. I have taken days of from work so that I can spend it on gambling online.
Today I am starting my diary here and today was the last day I spend my hard earned money on those evil casinos.
So tomorrow shall be my day 1 with no gambling, wish me luck!
Hello leenam
Welcome to the forum.
Well done for recognizing the problem quickly and taking action by posting.
Gambling is a progressive addiction; things can get much worse very quickly.
Self-exclusion, blocking software or handing over control of your finances are all good barriers to put in place to help you stop and take stock of your situation without causing anymore financial hardship.
StepChange are used by many people to help manage debt.
From there different things work for different people. GamCare offer free counselling, netline, a chatroom and helpline as well as the forum. Read how other people deal with their gambling addiction. Try things, learn and find what works for you.
Best wishes
Glint
Hi Leenam,
That's the part that makes us wired differently I suppose - I was the same with big wins, ploughed it all back in.
I am on day 2 GF now. Check in here often, and write down how you feel, seek support etc. Good luck.
Admitting it is a problem is a great start. It took me 7yrs to admit it so well done for recognising it early. There is plenty of support here, when you feel the urge, busy yourself with something else and come on here to chat to people. There is also free counselling through Gamcare which I would urge you to consider. Good luck - I look forward to reading your post tomorrow that starts Day 2 🙂 One day at a time.
Thanks for your support, reading your comments made me feel very positive today. I've been in touch with stepchage to arrange a debt management plan, hopefully I will soon be on track with my debts. So, feeling positive today and I will update again tomorrow.
Again thank you for your advice!
Today is 5th day without gambling. Haven't been updating everyday as I felt I don't want to dwell on the topic everyday but focus on other things and sort of pretend the problem doesn't exist . However I haven't gambled so far and I've actually got some money in my account untouched!
My creditors keep contacting me constantly which is making me feel very anxious as it reminds me of the extent the financial nightmare I've created. Hopefully it all calms down once stepchange (fingers crossed) manages to arrange a payment plan with them all.
I'm trying to keep myself busy by working and taking on some extra shifts, this both keeps me occupied and increases my wage slip!
So, that's about it for now. Looking forward tomorrow and soon it's been a week gamble free!
Keep up the good work. Day 1 for me so can't offer advice, but I can see how this site will be a massive support network for myself and others.
Get to the end of the month, buy yourself a handbag 🙂
Good morning and welcome.
I too have a DMP with Stepchange. Once the arrangement is in place the calls and letters slow down and generally only appear when the "debt is sold on" or a yearly statement is produced.
If they keep ringing now refer them to Stepchange.
Best wishes
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