[ChrisW92]

Hello.

This is my first post ever on any gambling forums.

For the first time in my life I have no idea what to do nor how to get out of this mess on my own. I’ve been gambling on and off since I was 18 years old and had my ups and downs
like the most. I am normally never able to stop for more than 3-4 months at a time and im not even sure why i ever decide to start again. Guess I’m hoping for a big win to find a
way out even though i know that is never going to happen. I felt down a deep hole and im not sure how to get up from here.

I have gambling debt which I am trying to manage every month, so I am on a low budget even though I have a fine job.
I always have a plan and hope for things to get better, but a plan never really seems to help me. It feels like gambling has been my way to escape reality and the fact that I am in huge debt for my age.

I guess i have to realize that this addiction is more than i can solve, but I am not sure i have the courage to ask for help. I’ve just had my salary today and already lost everything. I feel so miserable and helpless. How is this so freaking hard to get out of? Im afraid to tell my parents or ask my friends for help, since I’ve always been able to handle my own problems and a bit scared about spreading a mess I’ve made onto people i love and care for.

[ChrisW92]

Not sure why today is so special and self-realising since I’ve been in this exact situation so many times. It seems like everything suddenly hits me. There is no easy way out, there is no recipe to just magically win everything I’ve lost back. This late september evening will be my day one, not sure if i make it.

[dunc]

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!

[Steev]

Hi Chris and welcome to these forums. I was in a similar situation to you. I was managing to keep going but every month I had nothing and had to borrow to get through it. I would gamble in the hope of getting out of debt but of course only got deeper in.
Then one day I realised that I had a problem – that if I kept going I would no longer be able to manage my debts and then I would be in trouble. I would like to say that then I decided not to gamble ever again – and stuck to that, but it took me several years to actually stay stopped.
I went to gamblers’ anonymous some months after making the decision to stop – still unsure if I had a problem or not!
So in your situation I would say stop now. You have stopped before for several months – so get yourself good support so that you can identify the triggers that might lead to you gambling again. Consider GA – or if you can’t then see if you can get counselling. Read the forums here to see what you need to do to stop and keep posting so we can see your progress. I wish you well.

[hambone]

You need to get the idea you’re going to “get out of this” – that’s why you’re in this spot right? Trust me, I am over $100k in debt from chasing my losses. Like you, I had enough to get by, but it would kill me knowing I had debt, so when I got paid I’d blow my check that night trying to “get out of the hole”

Remember the feeling you felt when you wrote this first post. Get a spreadsheet out, chart out your debts and your credits and come up with a plan. Everytime you get the urge, remember that feeling.

Quit now, cut your losses, or this will continue to get worse u til you have nothing left. Trust me.

[Author]

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