Hi,
I'm 22 and currently am a student. I've struggled with gambling since I was about 16 and have had some decent wins but even larger losses over these years, as every gambler has. I've never really realised why I like gambling so much but I do, particularly BlackJack in the casino. I've just come off the biggest loss of my life, winning big a few days ago and then losing it all and more just a couple of days later. It's taken this to finally admit that I actually do have a problem, I've always just laughed it off with my mates and said well if I can afford it there's no harm. However, it's less the money and more the effect on my mental health. I can never stop if I'm losing, I'm sure this is the same with so many problem gamblers but I always think I'll win it back. Chasing my losses in my most recent casino trip, and coming very close to losing it all (before I stopped myself and walked out) has made me think about the effect it has on myself but also my relationship with others. It's totally consuming and that's why I vow to stop and start over again. I will learn how to control it and put in place things to help me. I'm reading through these threads and I want everyone to know that reading other people's stories helps and let's all remember we're not alone.
Thanks,
A
Hello AGamer00
Welcome to the GamCare forum. It's good that you've decided to do the right thing for your mental wellbeing and tackle your gambling. We are all here to help you. We're sure other forum users will be along to welcome you, especially if you keep updating us on your progress here on your diary, and if you read and respond to other users' topics.
If you'd like some advice about strategies to help you stay away from gambling, you'd be welcome to call us on the National Gambling HelpLine on 0808 8020 133, or chat to us on the NetLine. We're open 24/7.
We can also offer you free 1:1 treatment if you'd like more in-depth support. You might also find it useful to check out local support groups offered by Gamblers Anonymous.
Take care and keep posting,
Forum Admin
AGamer00,
welcome to the forum and well done on taking the first step in dealing with your problem gambling. You will get lots of support from the GamCare advisors and on the forum. As you say, your experience is not unique and it is absolutely possible to address the problem with commitment, the right blocks and strategies in place. It is heartening that you have accepted that you have a problem with gambling at such a young age. You have your whole life in front of you and your post suggests that you have just the right attitude to commit to a change. These are your golden years, you can make the most of them and without gambling in your life. I am only 80 days gamble free and a lot older than you but I can say hand on heart that it has been a very long time since I have felt as good as I do now. We all start at day 1. Well done on making a start and I am looking forward to following your recovery journey.
Thanks for both of the responses, unfortunately I briefly started gambling again but am sure this time I am going to seek all the help I can to stop. Maxing my overdraft was the last resort! Seems like it's a long road back to normality, and the easy thing to do would be to keep digging the hole, but I'm determined to get myself back on track and focus on other (more important) things in life!
agamer00
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