I am also going through the same problem. Luckily for me I do not owe anyone just myself. I am 27 now and was introduced to sports betting when I was in my first year in the university. I have spent a lot of money on sports betting and usually tend to virtual betting for quick money in order to cover the money I have lost in fixed odds betting but rather find myself hit rock bottom. I will promise myself and friends never to bet again but in a week or two I will find myself in that same situation. What happens is that I will bet with small amount like $3.00 and when I lose, I then increase my stake to cover my loses by the time I realise I am into in like $50.00 or more until my bank account gets to zero. but this time around man has to be discipline because no one can do this for us. I have promise myself never to do betting again in my life because the house always wins.

Hi JG You wrote: “The thing that gets me is that I enjoy betting, but know I need to stop or it will get to the stage where I can’t continue anymore.” Of course you enjoy betting … Everyone enjoys their addiction or it would be really easy to stop. The trouble is that your addiction can kill you – not just by suicide, but by worry, stress, health issues to do with not looking after yourself … I have even known of one cg being murdered from borrowing from the wrong sort of people …

You are not unsuccessful … you realise that you have the problem and you have come onto this site in order to stop. So what YOU need to do is 1) limit your access to gambling sites – ban yourself and / or put blocking software on your devices. 2) limit your access to money – find a trusted friend or loved one to handle funds or find some constructive way to limit the amount you can get hold of. 3) Get support – you say counselling didn’t work for you – try a different counsellor or a different type of counselling. Many on here recommend CBT … Go to a Gambler’s Anonymous meeting – there you will get tailored advice and support. 4) Find something else to do with your time. That may mean changing your friends and even your location – but, hey – that is a small price to pay to keep yourself alive.

If you are having suicidal thoughts – please get help straight away by contacting the samaritans – online or by phone. Keep posting here and maybe visit the groups where, again, you will hear other peoples’ stories. I wish you well.

Hello 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.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

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!

Hi tonybellew1

Well done on reaching out and starting this thread. It appears you are aware you have a problem and you wish to change in order to better your life, this is an important early stage so well done.

Ask yourself what you are willing to do to stop? I hear you are at somewhat of a fork in the road by this comment…”The thing that gets me is that I enjoy betting, but know I need to stop or it will get to the stage where I can’t continue anymore.”

Steev has provided some very sound advice there.

I am a recovering gambling addict aged 27 and my last bet was 03/04/18. Believe me change is possible even when you within yourself think it is not.

GA is a great place to start because you can get face to face support with people with exactly the same problem as you.

One step at a time. One day at a time.

I look forward to hearing of any updates/progress you make.

Final thought – you are young, you are able to change.

God bless