[mattyboi1993]

Hi, I have been gambling for 2 years now. It started off as such a little thing, like putting £5 on the football or a sport once a week/month. I have always been an avid video gamer and I used to love seeing the fruit machines in pubs when I was a kid. The idea of winning money for playing a game seemed like an unimaginable concept! But then one day I was introduced into the world of online slots. It started off with small deposits of £10. should I lose, I would shrug my shoulders and walk away. If I won £5 more, I would have withdrew the money and walked away. At this point it seemed like something I was in control with. Gradually I became more immersed in the world of bonuses and free spins. The idea of getting more money to play with, the idea of bigger wins and higher stakes played perfectly to my personality. It was the rush that I needed at the time. Over the last few years I have won big and lost big on many many occasions. Barely a day went by where I was not gambling. No money I won ever seemed to be enough anymore. At one point I was up £1000 and I lost it all chasing that dream win. Now I’m at my wits ends. My bank account is heavily overdrawn, I have had to borrow money from friends and family to bail me out! I have lied and lied and denied and denied that I have a problem. I have finally come to terms with that problem, but I still can’t stop! I just don’t know what to do, I’m terrified I’m going to end up ruining my life and my relationships if I continue down this path. I suffer heavily from depression which I am being medicated for, gambling is just one of many of my issues I am dealing with right now. But it is certainly one issue I could do without. Can anyone help me? any words of wisdom or tricks to help me stop? Thank you, Matt

[lizbeth4]

Hi. There are many things that you can do to help with gambling. Barriers-give control of money and cards to someone you trust, keep posting here and joining groups, GA meetings, online blockers. Support-family, friends, online friends here at GT, support groups. This addiction is ugly but with support, hard work and persistence you can work through it. Keep positive and strong. You are not alone!

[charles]

Hi Matt, well done on looking for help. I’m sure that looking at the other threas here you will have read many stories similar to your own. You will also ahe read the success stories – what are they doing that you can apply to your own situation?

Lizbeth has suggested an online blocker, have you managed to get one yet? Can you come clean with a family member? Someone you could be acountable to, who could help by holding your money etc?

The important thing is not to try and do this on your own, use the support you have avaialble. keep posting here, check out your local GA meetigns.

I look forward to hearing how you are getting on.

[Author]

Posts