1000th time

Im not exageratting this is probably the 1000th time I've said im quitting. I'm 24 years old and gambling has done so much damage to my life its crazy. This week alone i've lost over 20,000 dollars won it back and lost it again. I started when I was 14 years old. It is impossible to calculate how much I've lost but what is important is that I have quit for a year before. This is the only thing that gives me faith. Please pray for me I'm sick of this cycle.

Welcome to the forum Mani4c ,

You've made a positive first step in coming here to share your story and your desire to be free of this addiction . You should be proud of that .

Overcoming gambling addiction is often a long , hard process . Our relapses are proof of just how difficult it really is . We've all been in the same boat - vowing never to gamble again , only to give in when the urge becomes overwhelming or manages to convince us that " this time will be different ."

Prayer is a good thing . But wishing , hoping and praying will not work in stopping this disease . We need a plan , we need roadblocks and we need time away from gambling before we can begin to regain control over the compulsion . It is not an easy or comfortable experience .

The ceaseless assault on our minds by the gambling urge is the usually the tipping point for relapse . I gambled just to shut up the voice in my head for a little while . Like a kid having a tantrum , the addiction knew if it kept screaming , I would give in just to have a little peace and quiet .

Please check out the Strategies thread at the top of the page and keep posting for advice and support . You're not alone and there is hope , if you are willing to fight for your freedom . We'll help you any way we can .

Mani4c,

I don't want to scare you, but I am almost 50 and have been battling gambling for almost 30 years now, but I haven't gone bust or done anything illegal to get money in all that time. I would have periods of binges and then long breaks like you -- you said you quit for a whole year before this latest episode, but that shows you really want to stop and that you can do it. I think the first 30 days are the toughest. If I can make it through that, then I can make it for awhile also.

I think it might help if you know your triggers. You made it a whole year gambling free and then $20k in one week. Ask yourself what happened. For me, I will tell you that I am an escape gambler. This means that if I am in a situation where I am feeling bad (e.g. things not going well with your significant other, stressed out over work or personal finances, etc.), then I sometimes can't bear the psychological pain and I go gambling to soothe myself. It's like taking a drug to escape from reality. So for me, I know to watch for these triggers now and try to soothe myself with other activities and/or deal with my problems constructively instead of running away. It takes work, but I can do it.

I am 25 years older than you. It doesn't get easier so I encourage you to shut this down now and then do something else with the next 25 years of your life.

Hi manic4c

I have heard so many people said to me why they have not done or discover certain things or activities earlier in their life, it would save them a lot of heartache, trouble. and greatly improve their quality of life.

The truth is that it is never too late to eat right, exercise, improve relationships with family or other human beings, stop smoking or do drugs, spending beyond their means or gambling etc.

You are still young and the fact that you found yourself here is a good sign that you are seeking help
and I think you can do it again, your 1 year gamble free live is not wasted.

steveroller wrote:Mani4c,

I am 25 years older than you. It doesn't get easier so I encourage you to shut this down now and then do something else with the next 25 years of your life.

I so agree with you steveroller, it get so much harder with this insidious addiction and it only get progressively worst.