I've had enough, I've finally had the realisation of how out of control my gambling is.
It all started when I was 12 I was playing a free poker game on my Phone and was hooked and as soon as I turned 18 this turned to real money.
I had some big wins but the losses were awful and I ended up chasing my losses. Once I lost everything I closed my poker accounts and moved on to betting on the football.
I started off small and didn't spend too much and had some good wins and then as I won more I wanted more and increased my stake and ended up betting massive amounts on things I thought were certain, but I was wrong and lost hundreds of £ on individual bets.
In the last 12 months I moved on to slots aswell as betting on football and ended up playing everyday without fail. Like previous I had great wins and it was never enough for some reason? I wanted more and kept on spending. I knew what I was doing was awful and it added to my already existing depression, it was almost like my coping mechanism but of the worst kind as I lost more my mood dropped to the lowest of the low.
I have a steady job and we were paid in the last couple days and I have over these days spent it all and more and now will struggle for Christmas but thats it now I've had enough. I do not want to gamble anymore on anything because whatever I do i cannot control it.
I know its gonna be tough but the new chapter starts here.
Thank you for reading.
Jack
Good morning Jack and welcome to the Forum,
I’m really sorry to hear how out of control your gambling is but really pleased you have come here for some support.
Your story is not unlike many others who being gripped after having some early wins, only to end up gambling back their winnings and then chasing their loses.
As you mention gambling can be a momentary escape from low mood and depression, only to make these feelings worse as a cycle between the two is formed. I wondered if you have been in contact with your GP about your depression?
In regards to your gambling, there is a lot of support available to you to help you as you start your new chapter. Support you may find beneficial includes excluding from all online gambling websites licensed in Great Britain through Gamstop.co.uk or perhaps putting in place blocking software to prevent you being able to access gambling websites on your devices.
As well as tools available one of our advisers would also be able discuss extra support to help you with your triggers and urges and offer you a referral for free 1 to 1 support, that could be over the phone, online or in person if you’d prefer that option.
It would be good to know about about your situation too so we could ensure the support we offer is the best support to help you through this difficult time. If this is something that you feel would benefit you, I recommend you give one of our advisers a call on 0808 8020 133 or talk to us via our NetLine.
I look forward to reading more of your posts throughout your recovery Journey Jack
Best wishes
ChrisK
Forum Admin
Hey Jack, good job on seeking help and support and admitting you have a problem. Feel proud of that! I did the same yesterday, only wish I had done this alot sooner. We will all get through this together.
Jason
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