So irritating.....

I was on google reading about gambling issues, and came across this forum. Decided I would write about my gambling issues.

I am 28 now, started on my 18th birthday. I have worked hard for the past 10 years, and given countless dollars away gambling. It started as an 18 year old, losing $50 here, $100 here. Winning $100-$200 here and there. Once I turned 21, I started making more money. This turned into $200-$400 here and there, winning $500 sometimes. Today, I make even better money, and my average loss is over $1000 now, and win an occasional $1500-$2500. I once even won $4000 in Las Vegas after being down $1000 on my last $100 bill, and gave that back in about 30 minutes.

The point here is, I hate gambling so much, but still cant stay away. I have banned myself from Casinos, Poker Rooms, etc but I still find a way. I had a 3 year period I was clean, then once I became single again I gave back in.

Today, I lost my only $1000 to my name. It is not the end of the world as I have a good paying sales job (can make a chunk of that back in 1 good day), but its the personal let down. I even cashed in my big change jar, because I spent all the money I have for the week, now I gotta get by on what the change jar produced.

How does one stop this crap? I have so many hobbies I enjoy way more, but give in to this. These losses lead to nights out drinking, and wasting even more money that way. I make $500-$2000 each week at work, but lose so much of it on BS.

My rant is over, I want to get better, somehow. Im a smart dude on the outside, but I do crap like this and feel like a loser.

Brother,
Join the club because we have or are all asking the same question!
Just mind boggling!

27 started when I was 23. Just put all the money I had saved for 1/2 a year in the casino in less than a month. had to get a student line of credit and I gambled 450 of that. I don't now why I do it. I am fighting it with you. I am on day three and just had a crazy craving for the poison that will kill me if I continue. All I can say is that your not a loser just got in the cycle of crazy that is compulsive Gambling. GA helps, Self-exclusion helps. This board helps a lot.

Thoughts are with you,

AlexS

same issue here

I hope you conquer your gambling. It is difficult but each day gets better. I am really trying and feel better for not having gambled since the middle of October. It's only a short time but I feel much better.
I hope I can keep going. I only started gambling after I had a major operation and was bored at home.
I count just one day at a time - and I feel quite pleased with myself for not spending any money on gaming sites and having money in the bank - it feels lovely.
I managed to buy myself some new things for the kitchen, some new necklaces and a new CD this month.
I also have enough money for a weekend away.
Hopefully I can keep this up but this forum really helps me - I hope everyone is successful as well.

I've been there too.
I'm 33. I've stopped gambling over 5 years ago.
I hated it, I felt like an alien and I when walking down the street I was simply jealous of other peoples "normal" life's and I wanted one as well!
My advice for you and for many others is to try to learn how to live with the fact that you're a gambler rather than turning your life up side down.
I'm still a gambler - not active. I've learnt how to deal with this addiction and I think that's something I can recommend you to do.