A tough lesson.

[Jpjonathan]

This will actually the first time I'm about to admit this out loud. 

I'm an addict. 

Started gambling (playing cards etc) from the age of 13 and played for about 16 years. Was introduced to the casinos from the age of 18 when we turned legal to enter. 

The sessions grew from $300 sessions to sessions where I lost 2xmonths salary in 12hours. 

I struggled financially, massively in debt and even considered ending my life at one point. 

It was when I hit rock bottom, I managed to reach out to my friends and family for help. I have been on the mend for 2 years and am still recovering. Slowly and steadily. 

I wouldn't say I quit gambling for good. It is fun in small amounts. I just wish for strength to resist temptations and control my mentality.

[JDP4985]

Congrats on getting help. A lot of people struggle. Hoping things stay manageable for you.

[gypsycream26]

Well done JP on your long recovery , i have been betting or involved in some way with gambling since i was 7 or 8 yrs old , it's far too long a story to tell in here but i have managed it pretty well although there have been dark times in the past.

As i got older i gambled less and less but i do still dabble online , i ensure all my bills are paid first from my wages then work out how much i can afford to lose ,i know it's easier said than done but it has to be strictly adhered to ,if i fancy a flutter but it's outwith my budget for the month then i just tell myself nooooo  , i watch Kim and Blanco every night they have a stream and it helps me when i would otherwise have a bet ,it cost's me nothing to watch someone else dabbling and it's more fun       🙂

[Jpjonathan]

On 13/07/2020 at 00:06, gypsycream26 said:

Well done JP on your long recovery , i have been betting or involved in some way with gambling since i was 7 or 8 yrs old , it's far too long a story to tell in here but i have managed it pretty well although there have been dark times in the past.

As i got older i gambled less and less but i do still dabble online , i ensure all my bills are paid first from my wages then work out how much i can afford to lose ,i know it's easier said than done but it has to be strictly adhered to ,if i fancy a flutter but it's outwith my budget for the month then i just tell myself nooooo  , i watch Kim and Blanco every night they have a stream and it helps me when i would otherwise have a bet ,it cost's me nothing to watch someone else dabbling and it's more fun       🙂

Yes! Watching the kimster really taught me alot of the correct mentality for gambling. 

Road to recovery it is tough. But help is always available. 

ANYONE who needs a friend to talk to, I'm always here

[uainot89]

Have you contacted those websites of gamble aware or anything like that at the time? If so, how was your experience?

[Jpjonathan]

On 17/07/2020 at 19:54, uainot89 said:

Have you contacted those websites of gamble aware or anything like that at the time? If so, how was your experience?

In my country, online gambling is banned and the landbased have a self exculsion list. 

It was really easy to self ban and since then I'm restricted to gamble. 

[Ash W]

On 17/07/2020 at 12:54, uainot89 said:

Have you contacted those websites of gamble aware or anything like that at the time? If so, how was your experience?

The support is their but its something only you can really control. I used Gamcare forums and often relapsed...it wasn't until GAMSTOP was launched I could actually be comfortably in control of my problem.