So I’ve lost a lot of money and I’ve been keeping it a secret, borrowing a lot and pretending it’s for other stuff
I never even gambled until I became mentally unwell psychiatrist gave me medication after I suffered ptsd and post natal depression. Then lockdown send me into a spiral of online betting bloody fishing frenzy i spent thousands on it and roulette, I was just feeling so low that any kind of good feeling made me happy for a small time
I just basically wanted to know if anyone with mental illness has found that it goes hand in glove just to feel that high and happiness of gambling but then the sad reality when ur loosing more then you can afford . I try my best to not think about it I’ve blocked my bank and done time outs now and it’s really bad , surely this type of gaming should spoke about more it’s ruining my life. Am I alone in thinking that I feel like it’s become a disease I don’t even enjoy it now it’s just chasing the losses over and over again I get adverts on my web browser for that stupid game every time even if I clear my web history I wake up thinking about it and go to bed thinking about it , it’s driving me insane
I am so glad that you have written this; it sounds like you’re really struggling at the moment but please know that you are not alone and there is a lot of advice, and more importantly support, available to you.
I can imagine that it took a lot of courage to write these words, well done for reaching out for support. You have made really positive steps by blocking your bank account and taking time outs. As I am sure you will find, the Forum is a welcoming and supportive space which allows you to talk to others who may also be experiencing similar issues to yourself.
I would encourage you to contact the helpline on 0808 8020 133 or via our live chat available from the website https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/ both of which are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and where one of our advisers will be able to talk, for as long as you need, and look at all the support available to you.
Wishing you all the very best,
ClareH
Forum Admin
Hi... Iv'e been addicted to slot games for longer than I care to remember, including the one that you mention. I think gambling is like a reaction to life. It gives you a brief thrill and the ability to mentally switch off from life. The games are of course designed to keep you gambling and take your money, which they do. Its a powerful psychological addiction and the longer we gamble the more unwell we become.
As you suggest we need lots of practical barriers to force us to stop and to give us time and space to replace the gambling with other stuff. My opinion, particularly with slot players is that its more about passing time than anything else and that's why its so hard to stop. My longest periods off the gambling have been when iv'e been running alot and taking part in running events but even then its still very easy to slip back into it... as i have found out over recent months.
Sign up to Gamstop... it will make it harder for you to gamble online and try to find other things to do, like reading and writing on here.
All the best... your not alone.
Thank you so much for replying I will sign up to it now , I’m going to try the running too I think that might help take my mind off it I completely agree I think the slots do basically let you escape normal everyday problems and it helps pass the time , hope your doing well and thanks for the advice
I know a few people who have switched to running after gambling and it has worked really well for them.
It doesnt really matter what you switch to - as long as it is something to replace the urge to gamble. Personally i binge watch TV series or take the dog on long walks when im feeling tempted as I have replaced one form of escapism (gambling) with another, more productive one.
Good luck with the runs!
Hello Missy O and Welcome.
You will learn about this as a DRUG addiction. An escape drug which goes hand in hand with mental illnesses that trigger it.
You dont have to look at a substance. The body creates its own powerful chemicals which run through the bloodstream. Gambling or the thrill of the chase created these in large amounts...a near miss creates these and eventually losing or feeling cheated creates its own chemical type.
These mix like a soup until you actually feel high and in a trance..thay wear more thin but you will be well hooked by the time they do. Most often gamblers seek higher doses by upping the stakes or taking madder risks
These are what you crave to escape your day to day existence and the main problem is they become highly addictive.
There is no shame in feeling mentally unwell. It affects more than one in four people at any one time. Gambling addiction adds its own craving and mental illness and its a vicious circle as they feed off each other. The trouble is depression creates devil may care feelings and the gambling addiction thinks oh good and excuse to get into an adrenaline and dopamine stupor
You need help to stop and you must tell people close that you trust
It was never a fair challenge....The machines are there to fleece you and drip amounts back when its no use to you. You are not sticking it to the man...you are against millions of pounds hedge funds who can buy/lease these machines and cream a guaranteed profit off the top.
They will ruin you completely and you need to stop right now.
This takes more than willpower just like a heavy smoker or alcoholic. Drug addiction is not easy to counter but you can do it when you have a proper recovery
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
Sorry I don't have any addition to what the above posters have written, but just to add that I advise you come on here each day, even if for 10 minutes, just to bring yourself back to reality and add some perspective into your day - I find it helps me, so maybe it could help you too. Whilst it doesn't help what's happened in the past, it may prevent a problem in the future.
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