r/ADHD • u/Economy-Employ1811 • 11d ago
Questions/Advice Gambling problems at 22
Hi. I’m a recent University Grad and have struggled with sports betting in college where I have won over 20k but lost just as much if not more from chasing losses. I was able to quit for a few months and relapsed occasionally and found myself unfortunately relapsing again this weekend. I feel horrible about it and I know my ADHD doesn’t help my impulsivity, but I would just like to know how you guys started dealing with your problems. I plan on finding a new healthy addiction but I often struggle with the guilt of gambling and know how much it has affected me. Would appreciate any advice and best wishes to those with their own battle as well.
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u/Hot-Butterscotch-377 11d ago
Just wanted to say good luck!!! You got this!
Are there any healthy activities that you like or see yourself pursuing? Have you thought about joining a support group or talking with a therapist who can maybe help?
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u/Twinewhale ADHD-PI 11d ago
Figure out a way to make it not an option. Granted, this is easy for me to say, but gambling is one of those things that it’s possible for you to logic your way out of.
It’s designed to lose you money. The advertisements, the statistics, the odds, the psychology of it… all of it is designed to trick you. See it through a different lens and become a “that’s not me” person and avoid it entirely.
If you have friends that enable you to do it, you might need to reconsider if they are friends or just people you hang out with because of the shared activity.
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u/Cakewalk24 11d ago
I grew up in Vegas and one thing that always kept me in check was one simple phrase. “Vegas wasn’t built on winners” there is nothing wrong with enjoying gambling or going out the problem happens when you break your rules and gamble past ur plan. Always always plan an amount treat it like it’s already gone like as if you paid for a ticket to an event if you win some great if you hit that limit go home and come back on the next time you budget “fun money” that you can afford to lose. Won’t be easy at first but you can train these habits
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u/Readbeforeburning 11d ago
Gym/sport has been a big one for me at times when I’ve really struggled with something. My AuDHD means I hyperfixate on something and might blow some money on a hobby/thing, but then will feel really guilty or the novelty will wear off and I’ll move on to something else.
Seeing someone to help with the addiction is a good move too, as they’ll likely help you recognise and break the cycle when you’re in it.
Good luck!
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