[Joosshhx]

Hi everyone,

My name is Josh and I’ve been problem gambling since 4-5 years ago on and off. 

It used to be controable at first back in school, the odd flutter here and there but in the last 6 months or so it’s got into a huge problem and my life has gone from great to a nightmare. 

Long story short, the slots and live roulette have been constantly played by myself and theres been a few wins of up to thousands but that would all be spent the following day and lost again. I’m now £16k in debt roughly from personal loans and a credit card. I’m 22 and I don’t want to have to live my life like this. 

I understand this is my fault and now I look back at it all and think ‘why did I do that?’ But there is honestly no answer. 

I go to bed every night and feel sorry for myself, I’ve ruined everything and having told my Mum and girlfriend I’ve let them down massively as well, and I want to prove to them I can overcome this!

If anyone has any financial advice / mental advice, I would really appreciate it. As I don’t know where to turn now, and I can’t do this on my own.

Thanks,

Josh.

[kathryn]

Welcome.
Sorry you have found yourself here but glad you have decided to reach out for help.
Telling your mum and girlfriend is a good thing. They can help you! Would either of them be willing to take control of your finances for a bit. Limiting your access to cash is a good barrier to have in place and having to be accountable to someone can make a huge difference. Perhaps having a small daily allowance and no access to your bank account will limit your ability to gamble. No money =no gambling.
Theres a few other things that may act as a barrier. Self exclusion from gaming venues and putting a blocker on your computer and phone (if you use them to gamble) are good ones.
Theres GA…..gamblers anonymous. Other gamblers who have found themselves unable to control their gambling get together for meetings to chat and support each other. Its worth a thought.
In my experience, limiting my ability to gamble was really important. It gave me time to think, and not be all consumed by the how when and where I was going to gamble. I simply couldn’t do it. The means and opportunity to gamble were removed. In time I started filling my days with other things, and my mind became clearer and clearer.
You are such a young man, the time is now Josh.
In terms of your debt, maybe the companies will let you organise a payment plan. Theres no quick fix to this I’m afraid, but you can live a gamble free life!
I wish you all the best,
K xx

[ButterflyBeeBee]

Hi Josh,

Despite the misery and pain of your expriences with gambling, at least you have come to a place where people are rooting for you to succeed.

I can only imagine how trapped you feel, having that debt around you, and for one so young it must feel like you will live your life paying it back.

Are you employed? and where do you live? If you live in the uk i know there are several organisations that can help you consolodate your debt and liase with your creditors on your behalf to help you pay some of your debt off. You will have to be honest about your addiction but it may be an option for you.

All the best, and keep posting,

BBB x

[Joosshhx]

Hi BBB,

Thanks for your message! I am lucky in the sense to have loved ones around me to support me and are rooting for me to succeed. 

You are right, I feel trapped with this debt. I know I need to pay it back it’s just mentally challenging every single day. 

I’m employed and living in the UK. Where can you recommend that might help me with my finances?

I will keep posting, but thanks for your support, it really does help!

Josh x

[Joosshhx]

Hi Kathryn,

Thanks for your message firstly!

I do need to control my compulsive behaviour, I will start drawing out cash and giving it to my mum to take and put away for me, as I need to save ASAP whilst paying off this monster debt. 

I’ll keep posting but I really do appreciate your post, this is a step in the right direction for me and I’m glad there’s people like you in the world that are willing to help others. 

Josh x 

[ButterflyBeeBee]

Hey josh,  that’s good to hear you have loved ones willing you to succeed. 

First step I would take is make an appointment with the citezans advice bureau.  They can help put you in contact with debt consolidation experts and charities who can help.  

I would also check out:

https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/gambling-debt.aspx

And read this article for ideas:

https://www.moneyexpert.com/news/a-debt-consolidation-loan-could-an-option-for-those-with-gambling-problem-800434713/

Reach out to citizens advice and look up  gambling debt charities in the uk to help further.  

You are 22 so I would persume too young to file bancrupcy,  but with help from these charities some of your debt could be written off and they will help you get a loan that will consolidate your debt so you only pay one payment back to the loan provider. 

Let me know how you get on and good luck!  🙂 

[velvet]

Hi Josh
You haven’t ruined everything, you have lost your sense of direction due to a gambling problem that you didn’t ask for or want and now you have come here to find your way.
You don’t have to live your life like this Josh, you can change it and although your mother and girlfriend can give you fantastic support the only person who can save you is ‘you’.
Taking control of a gambling addiction requires courage and determination but I wouldn’t be here writing to you if I didn’t know that you can control your problem and life a wonderful life.
This is a great site for support and I hope you will keep posting and hopefully join our CG (compulsive gambler) groups where you will be welcome and understood.
If your mother or your girlfriend wants to know how to support you best, maybe they could join the Friends and Family groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays – nothing said in the group appears on the forums, it is private and safe. Our Helpline is there for you and your loved ones too.
I am pleased that you have started your thread and accepted that your problem is serious. If left untreated this addiction gets worse, never better. There is no point in looking for an answer as to why this has happened to you – it is better to save you energy for learning to control it.
I wish you well and look forward to hearing your progress
Velvet

[Joosshhx]

Hey,

I will give the Citizens Adcice a call today to see if I can get some advice on it all, there must be something they could offer I would of thought. 

I will let you know how I get on 🙂 x

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