Hi all,
It has been incredibly insightful reading some of the forum posts that are on the site, and it is reassuring to know that I am not alone with my addiction (hard to admit)
I have been on and off online sports gambling for over 10 years, with major losses recorded and being self excluded from sites to stop the reoccurrence.
This year in June I had a major relapse after going a whole year without gambling, where I somehow got it into my head that I would harmlessly bet £200, not knowing that it would plunge me back into the dark hole of betting once again.
Funnily enough, I actually managed to find myself in profit of xxxx, but this soon disappeared and now I find my savings of 10k dissipated, credit card of 20k almost maxed out, and taken out two loans totalling approx 30k to fund this horrible addiction. Everything I managed to work on and save in a year, gone in a matter of weeks.
I feel like my life hasn't moved in all the time I have been gambling, and finally now speaking to people has made me realise that this is similar to a drug addiction, if not worse.
Thankfully I have a good career and now trying my best to focus more on enhancing my personal development and finding new hobbies to help me get rid of the sick feeling I feel right now.
I will keep you all updated on how I get on, stay safe and be strong all.
Hi sr2,
I did approximately 7 months without gambling and had a replase, I am now on day 93 and fortunately it wasn’t as large as the sums you have spoken about but I am still feeling the impact of it financially until next year.
well done for getting on here and opening up about it as some times that’s half the battle! The only reason I didn’t go into a major replase was because I told my girlfriend as soon as possible about it and I was in tears at the time.
so my current solution at the moment is to try and get on here every working day to read posts and hopefully help others like yourself and to remind people that they are not alone in this fight and can share there thoughts and experiences. When I get the chance at weekends I join the live chats when they are open to connect closer to people who have the addiction and want to become a recovering compulsive gambler and not the latter.
I feel the pain you are probably feeling from the current major blow out, but financially I am sure you can repair the tyres and get back on the right road on you’re journey. The addiction is unforgiving but don’t forget to not beat yourself up too much about what you have done and work towards a future away from it once again but this time fully aware of the danger that one bet can create.
I would recommend physical meetings at a ga meeting if they are local to you, some are good and a wealth of knowledge not known by many.
I hope this is of some help to you
dave101
I am in exactly the same position. I have had a huge relapse and this horrible condition simply won’t go away. Lock down gave me a false sense of security. Pay back now
I can empathise with all that is written in this post and also had a relapse. I seem to have one every couple of years and it just feels like going back to square one, and each time it happens it is harder and harder to be motivated to think there can be change and a better life. I guess we have to believe and know that there is if we work hard and believe in ourselves.
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