[SeanJ23]

I’m only 21 about to be 22 and I’m dealing with a lot. I have a bad gambling addiction, to the tune of over 20k+ gone already. I also can’t stop smoking any form of nicotine, weed, and must stay in a constant non sober state. I really don’t see my life continuing much further and that’s really not good. I don’t really know what to do, I know i need to quit these habits and addictions but its very hard right now. I don’t have many people around me that can truly understand and help me so I have to do this myself mostly. No one knows how bad it still is, gambling everyday in some form or another. It started young, probably like 13 or maybe even earlier. Online gambling is horrible for young kids, it really tore a whole in my life and the people who run it all think its no biggie. Now i gamble whenever i get extra money and its put me into debt at the age of 21, so much so it feels like a black hole. Today, Feb. 6, 6:40 AM will be the start of a new life for me. One where it doesn’t revolve around weed, nicotine, and gambling. Starting with gambling, it all needs to change for me. My life has been challenging to say the least, but I used to see how good of a person I was. I can come back from this. Thanks for reading this, it means a lot.

[Steev]

If reading a post on here can be called listening …

Sean – I could be wrong, but it feels like a tough call to tackle 3 addictions at the same time. If your gambling has already cost you 20K in your short life – it feels like that has to be your priority. I worry that if you couple your gambing and smoking then if you fail to stop smoking you may see that as a reason to continue gambling. I know how the gambler’s mind works – I am one.

I trust that you have read around this site and picked up on the basics that you need to do. Bar yourself from gambling in real life and online. Try to find someone to handle your finances, get good support for yourself and find something to do with your time that does not involve gambling or it’s triggers. If you need to ask more about any of these post again or join one of the groups or “speak” to a live support person.

You are young – you time on your side in terms of recovery and making a new life for yourself. I wish you well.

[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!

[Barbstl]

Hi Sean.

One step at a time as they say and deciding to do something is the first step. A major step at that.
Firstly tackle the gambling and take away any access you have to gambling by self excluding on any sites you use, if you use online gambling there is software you can get for your devices to block access to online gambling.

It is possible to turn around from this. Remember to stay focused, positive and be realistic. One day at a time. I started with a Goal to reach 7 days without gambling, taking one day at a time and ticking each day off as I went. Getting to day 7 gamble free felt really good and each day i thought less about wanting to gamble.
I also found keeping a journal on here really positive and the help from the online community really encouraging.

You can do it! Just take one day at a time.

[Autore]

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