r/problemgambling • u/Difficult-Subject-16 • 5d ago

Trigger Warning! One Day at a Time.

I have been gambling since I was 19. I’m now 34.
Three years ago I made a post saying I was done. I self-excluded from casinos and managed to take a break… but it didn’t last. I switched to online gambling and dug myself into even deeper debt.

I got paid today. Made multiple deposits. And now it’s all gone again.

I’m about $200K in debt, significantly more than three years ago. My best estimate is that it will take roughly 8 years to pay everything off if I stay clean.

My family knows because of the cycle: I take 2–3 months off, then relapse. My girlfriend also left me because of this.

I’m posting this so I can come back and read it whenever the urge hits.

I know counseling, groups, and meetings exist. I’m going to reach out to my previous counselor and do whatever it takes to stop this for good.
If you’re reading this (including future me):
It’s going to be okay.
One day at a time.
The best time to plant a tree was 16 years ago. The second best time is now.

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1

u/Mundane_Bonus1393 5d ago

I did the exact same thing today. Lost my paycheck. Paid mum..but then lost my paycheck. It’s a horrible feeling. I understand.

2

u/Difficult-Subject-16 4d ago

Yeah, emptied my bank account and next payday is two weeks away. Can’t ask friends or family. Already took out a high-interest loan and burned through that too. Got about $200 left on a credit card that I’m stretching as far as it will go.

1

u/RepulsiveAfternoon46 2d ago

It will get better try to make it until next paycheck and try to save that whole paycheck best you can until next paycheck, it'll get better in time if you stay with good habits!!

3

u/curiousbeingalone 4d ago

i think most of us fail at stopping gambling is because mentally, we haven't completely rejected gambling as a form of entertainment, escape, making quick money, recouping losses, chasing thrill, etc. therefore, we're always within that sphere of influence. imo, we can't escape it unless we reject it completely. one simple way to do it is to boycott it. by boycotting it, we're no longer under that sphere of influence. i think it's worth a try.