[Wazza22]

Hello,

I am 32 and have been gambling since the age of 17. Although I can never single handily blame my father for my gambling it was the exposure of him gambling constantly that led me on this path. My mother and father split when I was young and as a result my father moved to a different county where he was the manager of various leisure attractions mainly bowling. When it was my weekend to visit, I would spend the day shift at work with him and have unlimited credits on the arcades or bowl for the day. However my dad would always play the fruit machines which were popular then and let me press the buttons. He would then be back and forth to the till leaving notes of IOU to replace later on. This would happen every time I was there. On the odd occasions I was there and he wasn’t working I remember he would put bets on the horses or we would only play a game which involved some sort of betting. I later found out in life that when he worked a Saturday night shift he would then go with his new partner at the time straight to the casino and spend all the money and I was none the wiser. He had everything at one point on a 6 figure salary but blew it all, however it was his ladish lifestyle with a mercedes, etc etc that led me to thinking this was the life I wanted.

Not that I have been clubbing for years now and couldn’t face such a social environment now due to the gambling’s crippling effect on me, but when I did it was at a time where not everyone was asked for ID. I remember “clubbing” at the age of 17 and I also entered a casino on more then one occasion at the same age. If only I knew then that this would be the catalyst for the next 15 years of heartache and the worst times in life.

My dad got lucky, he never attended GA or any help but he found something in the shape of a boat that he bought that he dedicated all his time too and has never gambled since and this is close to 10 years now. I know this isn’t the norm but he always said that I need to find something will take my mind off things. I never found that.

I have incredible stories of the highs and lows as does everyone on here i’m sure, well more lows then highs, but its those highs that keep me gambling.

I cannot wait to join GM, I cant do this on my own and need the help of others. Its the lying that I most desperately need to stop and want to stop.

My mother has been the most incredible person to me over all this time and has never stopped supporting me. I know I have to do this for myself and I will but I owe this to my mother too.

Journey starts now and I am excited. I know this is my last chance.

[velvet]

<

Hello Wazza and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our
privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[monique]

Nice to see your post here and to learn a bit more about your story.
All good wishes for this new part of your life.

Monique

[Author]

Posts