04-03-2010, 12:48 PM
Righto, here goes.
I have a terrible gambling addiction, and only now can realise I've had it since I was 16. I'm now 23 and the problem is just as bad today as ever.
I used to be in the Royal Navy and travelled quite alot of the world, visiting many countries etc, but regardless od where I was in the world, my first question about the place would be where the nearest casino was.
I started out playing slot machines as a kid at the bowling alley and at amusements, but then applied my brain a bit and took up Poker as a way of making money.
I've lost a considerable amount in the past and sometimes I've made a very wealthy profit, but more times than not I've been left with nothing in my pockets.
The lowest time in my life was living alone in Cornwall, when I was in the Navy. By the 9th of the month I had gambled away all my wages, not even considering what I'd do with the next 22 days without food. I ended up surviving on hot chocolate and 3 tiger barms I had. That was probably the worst time of my life.
I've since left the Navy and now have a partner and a little boy, so my priorities have to change but I don't know how to do it. I try to not gamble, but somehow end up back in the same old places gambling more and more until I have no money left whatsoever.
I WANT to give in, and I've tried in the past. The longest I lasted was 66 days, but as that's my lucky number, I thought one wouldn't hurt and fell straight back into my gambling routine.
My fiance knows of my problem and is incredbly supportive in helping me, but I feel embarassed and ashamed of what I do, which makes me reluctant to find help.
I plan on attending meetings here in Liverpool asap, but have no idea what to expect. Anyone able to give me any insight please?
I already feel better just for sharing this.
Thanks
I have a terrible gambling addiction, and only now can realise I've had it since I was 16. I'm now 23 and the problem is just as bad today as ever.
I used to be in the Royal Navy and travelled quite alot of the world, visiting many countries etc, but regardless od where I was in the world, my first question about the place would be where the nearest casino was.
I started out playing slot machines as a kid at the bowling alley and at amusements, but then applied my brain a bit and took up Poker as a way of making money.
I've lost a considerable amount in the past and sometimes I've made a very wealthy profit, but more times than not I've been left with nothing in my pockets.
The lowest time in my life was living alone in Cornwall, when I was in the Navy. By the 9th of the month I had gambled away all my wages, not even considering what I'd do with the next 22 days without food. I ended up surviving on hot chocolate and 3 tiger barms I had. That was probably the worst time of my life.
I've since left the Navy and now have a partner and a little boy, so my priorities have to change but I don't know how to do it. I try to not gamble, but somehow end up back in the same old places gambling more and more until I have no money left whatsoever.
I WANT to give in, and I've tried in the past. The longest I lasted was 66 days, but as that's my lucky number, I thought one wouldn't hurt and fell straight back into my gambling routine.
My fiance knows of my problem and is incredbly supportive in helping me, but I feel embarassed and ashamed of what I do, which makes me reluctant to find help.
I plan on attending meetings here in Liverpool asap, but have no idea what to expect. Anyone able to give me any insight please?
I already feel better just for sharing this.
Thanks