My Gambling Addiction Story
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2020
- Hey guys, this is a podcast story about my own experience with problem gambling.
Just to warn you, it's very emotional and raw, intense at times. It won't be to everyone's liking.
It was originally uploaded to my Vlog channel, but wanted to share here, so you know how The Invisible Addiction idea came about and why I want to raise awareness about gambling addiction.
***
Follow The Invisible Addiction:
Website: www.theinvisibleaddiction.com/
Facebook: / theinvisibleaddiction
Instagram: / theinvisibl. .
Twitter: / addictinvisible
Video links:
Inside the brain of a gambling addict. This shows you the MRI scan results of a problem gambler:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF5Sz...
UK Gambling Behaviour Report in 2015. Quite a lengthy read, but some startling facts in there:
www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/...
Russell Brand The Trews. A brilliant, quick 6-minute watch about gambling in the UK:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL5Fc...
Justyn Rees Larcombe. TED Talks Speech. This is about the rise and fall of a gambling addict:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AN3V...
Remember The Real Hustle TV programme? Watch presenter Alex investigate his father’s gambling addiction in a BBC3 documentary. An insightful and informed about gambling addiction in the UK 2012:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=auK_M...
Gambling With Lives. This is a registered Charity, set up to support families and friends of young people who took their own lives as a direct result of gambling. You can support them by buying a t-shirt:
www.gamblingwithlives.org/
Make a commitment over this Holy Time for my sake suffering 5 years; to defeat the enemy. Leave and never look back.
Many suffer from this grave error but it can be conquered when you engage the enemy.
🙏
Lost about 30k euros in 3 years. Won a lot, lost more. Once started with 200 and made it into 7 k in 2 hrs, lost 5 k of it in few hours, rest of it in few days. Played thru 350k in a year. The high goes away FAST , the lows stay with you for a long time.
Gambling ruined my life
From half of 2015-all of 2016-2017-2018-2018-2019-2020-2021-half of 2022 that is I wasted 7 years of my life
-I lost 95% of the money I earned
-The longest I lasted 4 months without gambling for 7 years
-I have 100 thousand zlotys of debt or $25k
-I almost went to jail for 3 months because of gambling
-I have no money in my account and no phone
-I haven't bought anything in 7 years except a laptop I bought in January 2019 for 1000zl nothing else
-Depression-obesity-lack of motivation
-Problems with eyes and big problems with teeth for which I have no money to bring to order
-All of my left hand cut with a knife
-I robbed my brother
-I took money from my mother's wallet for a game
Bro the same here. I started mid 2015 and still gambling. Hopefully fully I will stop now.
Any luck stopping for either of u?
This is surely the first time I am writing about this but I have to admit to myself that am a gambling addict.
I have tried to quit from my gambling addiction but I always turn around and comes back to it. I have relapsed so many times and I feel so ashamed of myself when I lose all my hard earned money. I have hiding this addiction from my friends and family.
I am feeling so bad right now and many thoughts are going through my mind.
Hope I will able to completely move away from this.
For those reading this message, please pray for me. 🙏🏾
Life goes on. Just make sure you have a job. Forget about your losses, don't be weakened by your thoughts.
Hey....how are you doing? Thinking about you.
In the same fight my man and I got you!
The problem with gambling is IF you are fortunate to win, you don't treat it like money you earned because you know u didn't SO u gamble it away hoping you will win more because its never enough. People gamble to lose. At least that was my experience sport betting in my twenties... winning made want to bet more! Losing does the same thing because you can't help but want to chase and recover your losses. I stopped after I realized what how I was behaving . thank god
I'm a winner and refuse to lose! That's why I've been gambling for 15 years!
@@tv-21 what kind of gambling?
@@tjburr1968I think that was a joke
No matter how much I win. It goes right back in . I have no clue why I play .
@@mjaydog1983 it's the adrenaline you get when you win, It clouds your judgement as you naturally don't want to stop winning so you keep playing until you are unable to win anymore due to losing everything you brought and or won so you stop because virtually no choice: your broke
Mate , massive respect for speaking about this subject 👏, I have struggled with gambling for years and its so toxic 😑. What I have discovered certainly through my journey is that once a gambler always a gambler, so for me I need to put blocks in place to stop me in times when I'm weak. The more we tell our stories the more we can help other people going through the same struggles.
Thanks buddy. Completely agree about putting in the controls, e.g., Gamban, GAMSTOP, etc.
I’ve been a compulsive gambler since the age of 18, played football professionally for 3 years before dropping out, after 10 months clean i relapsed recently and burnt through £2.5k 😖 i think i need a community like this one promises to offer to help support me as i feel alone most of the time! Thanks for your content!!
Hi James, thanks for your comment! I hope the page can be of use to you. I set it up to help others like myself, as I felt completely alone in my addiction. Wishing you well mate, and please get in touch, if you ever fancy a chat or anything. My email is info@theinvisibleaddiction.com (Alex)
Every gambler's story starts with winning good money, it's better not to ever win!!!!
Dude this video helps me control massively. Thank you so so so much for being here and for the crying, IT IS OK TO CRY!!! It is all normal and we're all human at the end of the day. Love from a Birmingham City fan in the USA 💙💙💙💙💙
Ah mate you’ve made me up reading your comment. Thank you so much for the support 🙏 Keep right on to the end of the road! 🙌
Amazing insight, thanks for sharing and I want to say you're a brave man for bringing it out in the open, hence why I have SO MUCH respect for you and also will be supporting you through the whole thing. Thanks for the podcasts, videos and campaigns.
sajmeister, your words have come at a really important time right now (having a bit of a bad day!). From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
@@THEINVISIBLEADDICTION Anytime, it is great to see people supportring recovery and helping people with this problem however they can.
What a story mate, a true inspiration to us all whom are dying to recover from this catastrophe
Thank you mate! Hope you're OK
I want to acknowledge you for who you were being during this podcast. You are a remarkable human being. You'll never know how many people's live you might save through your raw courage, transparency and willingness to share. You are remarkable. The challenge is never the challenge..... It's how you respond to the challenge. You are remarkable. Loving you and blessings, SH
You are brave man. I tore up just listening to this
Cheers mate this video really helped, stumbled on this video, only turning 22 but trying to stop it early, thanks for telling your story 👍
Really appreciate you listening and hope it's helped you 😊
Thanks for sharing your moving story. I won't wish you "luck," I wish you continued success!
Thank you!
You are giving your life purpose and meaning by educating people about gambling addiction. The money you have lost and the experiences you have gone through have been put towards helping others. You may have lost material things, monetary and otherwise, but you have gained access to helping others which is the ultimate purpose in life. Congratulations on your courage! You have won Life’s Jackpot because you took the greatest gamble and that was to risk putting yourself out there and not knowing how it would turn out. Your journey has a beginning a middle and an end . Good for you that you survived!!!!!
They don't smile or be happy at £400 cause they have already lost £4000 to get £400. Unless its over the amount already lost as a whole through the whole gambling period its never enough thats also why you can never win
Much love to u . I gambled for many years and feel for what u have been through .
Thanks Dean :)
I really enjoyed this podcast. Not because of what you've been through but it was very helpful and educational. You're really nice guy and sound like a top lad. I've lost £300 in the past two months and for me that's a lot and if may not be to some but when looking at my bank statements I could see how much I was staking and the time I put in researching football matches etc. I'm now stopping, I have a app on my phone counting the days I'm free of gambling. Hope you're keeping well brother. Thank you for making this video.
Thank you Mike that’s most kind of you 🙏 glad to hear you’re keeping on top of things 📈 and wishing you well my friend 👍
Hi Alex, You’ve likely helped many people like you or family/friends of a gambling addict MUCH more than you know!! Never apologize for being emotional, that shows that you’re REAL. You might feel exposed by letting us in and telling us everything, but it must really, really feel cathartic too! We know you’re not looking for sympathy, you’re sharing your story-which is INCREDIBLY brave. You’re amongst friends here who are listening to you, and we’re wishing you the best. I’m cheering you on! I’m Lisa, Your new friend in Canada! 🇨🇦🙂
P.S. when you cried, explaining your pain & story... we cried WITH you! Cheering for you, friend! 💜
Hey Lisa, thank you SO much for your message. It really means so much to me, having felt very vulnerable recording the story in the first place. A year down the line and I'm in a lot better place - mentally, physically, financially, emotionally. It really helped me move on with my life and get the ball in motion to move forward (And not get stuck in the past with guilt and shame). I wish you well and send all my love from Portsmouth, UK. Alex :)
I just started with a gambling addiction glad I found this. I had to pour a stiff drink before I even pressed play found it funny you read my mind haha.
Hope u are doing well these days .Being a gambling addict I feel for u ❤
Good video, goes to show how the effects are long lasting and go far beyond your last bet. I’m in that area at the moment and should really stop.
Thanks for sharing your story! ❤️
Thanks!
Don't apologise for crying or opening up. Great video thank you for sharing
😊 thank you
I told myself ill never become a degenerate gambler that when I was 23 .I'm in my early 40s now ...just got to stop it rather then saying it to yourself . .. eventually you lose everything and snap out of it like I'm currently doing....rebuilding yourself financially feels like a uphill battle but eventually you'll have money saved and feel like you hit the jackpot then you have to check yourself and remember ever time you get paid the hard road you went through to get back on track..having no job eating Ramen noodles or having to borrow food money broke cause of gambling worst of them of all BURNING BRIDGES with loved ones and friends....to having a job money saved debts paid getting right with people you affected .JUST have to stay away from the environment ...even if you have to change friends that enable you to gamble..just saying....find a hobby that has financial rewards like metal detecting for treasures or buying cars and flipping flipping them for profit ...go fishing ..stay away from the casinos etc etc PERIOD . ..everyone has there journey just sharing my expierance and my insight......BTW just gotta gotta ask yourself before gambling what kind of person was i before all this shit...the old me was great energetic and full of happiness . ...damn gambling took that away!not that I m not happy but I can eee what it took away from me personally ..99.9 percent of financially successful individuals didn't get there by gambling in a casino game unless if your Phil ivy haha
As a gambling addict, if we want to continue to stay in recovery, we must not make a bet for anything. The first bet is the same as an alcoholic taking their first drink.
Keep your head up. Beat the additions 🙏🏽
Thank you!
Swedish recovering gambling addict. Thank you for sharing.
What made it so shameful for you to share? I just shared on FB about my recent relapse. Huge sense of relief. Talking about it is different, I know that much.
Thanks for your comment :)... I'd lied for so many years I guess it was a 'coming out' moment, where there was this huge sense of relief. I'd felt dirty for so long, telling so many lies, being cynical, being in debt, really feeling horrible as a human being. So hence the outpouring of emotion in the chat!... Glad to hear you've been able to share your story. I'm sure it will help you recover and get better :) It did for me!
Found your channel today. Thank you. Enjoyed your videos.
Thanks Richard, wishing you well, Alex
Don't be embarrassed about it. At least you relized you had a problem. Best luck to you
Thank you Lucas
Thank you for your video!
Bless you !
How are you doing now?
I have realised I got a problem so come up with your video which is inspiring thank you for that !
Thanks for sharing your story. It has made me better understand the gambler's perspective. Do you have any advice on how loved ones e.g wife/girlfriend/partner can support a gambler with an addiction. How do we help them kick the habit? What do we say/ not say? What is the most helpful thing we can do to help recovery.
Hi Mi L. Really great question. I don't have all the answers but I know some people that do! Head over to GamFam, which is a Recovery and Support Programme and self-help group designed specifically for families of the disordered gambler. gamfam.co.uk/ I hope it helps! If not, then I'd be happy to answer any questions you have via email at: info@theinvisibleaddiction.com
Great pod mate
I juswt lost all my savings in one day the money went so quick. right now im devasted and traumatised. Thank you for your video.
You got this!
Brilliant and brave. Thank you.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for your story. It helps to hear. Trying to quit now. Tomorrow is payday and I am hoping to quit cold turkey.
Hi Daniel, thank you for your kind words. Have you considered gambling blocking software? Or this…
Anonymind are always here to help.
This is a good opportunity to get things of your chest that are currently bothering you, work, family, debt, etc. We're here to listen tentatively and support you in a caring and professional manner, completely confidential. We understand that matters may be sensitive and that you're taking a huge step so please try not to feel too anxious, you're in safe hands.
Appointments are FREE to you so please really consider attending as we are still obliged to pay your therapist for their time.
If for any reason you cannot make your appointment please let us know 24 hours prior so we can utilise the available time slot for someone else who needs urgent support.
Visit www.anonymind.com to view our lived experience stories and we'll look forward to speaking soon.
Anonymind Team
6 years of struggling
Thank you for sharing your story. Crying its ok is normal, is horrible adiction to be in, i think better is to be a smoker than gambler. today i lost 1500£ online on blackjack, was gambling now for 10 years, and today is the day i decided to stop :) i recorded my 1st video today but will publish later, also i cryed 🙄 stay safe and sober from gamble
Thanks Vilma :) I'm sorry to hear your situation. I hope it all works out for you, sharing my story really helped me banish some demons and help me move on. I hope it helps you too :)
Good luck Vilma
The amazing thing is that when we realise that we cannot create from our past, and always in the moment, feelings and thinking starts to slide. Everyday is a conscious creation. You are the blue sky, only always.... Clouds come in and out. But the blue sky remains. You are the blue sky.
I really feel for you, and appreciate you had the courage to share your story
People don't realise a that gambling addiction is not a lack of willpower but an disease. Stay strong and I wish you every success.
Thanks Suzie, I appreciate your well wishes. Alex :)
Gambling addiction is bad even if winning it is not a proper way of living!
Agreed.
Gambling is a horrible addiction.
more than everything is the desperation to want to get out of this vice
to get out of this is very difficult
but with willpower and faith you can!!!
Thank you Freddy!
Skip 10 minutes to get to the story
Thanks for sharing, can’t have been easy opening up about such a painful and destructive addiction. Takes some serious determination to overcome something like this 👍
Thank you Lorraine, I really appreciate your message :)
BTW if your watching this video after a bad run at a casino or wherever ..........just run fking run away as far away as you can from the den.....remember our stories ...please chasing the dream ends up chasing the nightmare !Don't dig that hole any deeper !
Mate I have had a job paying 150k a year for 10 years and own nothing, it would be crazy how much I've wasted from gambling, I'm now 30 and only just got on top of it.
32 plus years for me.. #Freedom
👏
Great story
Really important topic! I don’t think people are aware of the risk when they gamble! The business is really cynical and they do everything to rip you off. Their target is the addicted and the slot machine are constructed to make you addicted.
Luckily the government in Norway have blocked almost all deposit and makes it difficult to gamble. Hope the fu...ers in casinos looses a lot!
Impressed by the honesty , stay strong!, YNWA
Thanks for your well wishes Arve :) Glad to hear the government have taken strong action in Norway. If only the UK could follow suit...!
I cried with YOU .
Definitely...
Quit gambling 🙏😑
@@freddy-ip1pq I DONT GAMBLE
stock day trading and margin trading is also addiction which harms no less than gambling
Takes a lot of courage this kind of thing. You are doing a really great thing to raise awareness here 👊🏻
Thank you for the kind words Matt
Enjoyed your story.
🙏
Hi mate it was great to meet you on The Big Step last month. Very Raw and powerful story here so pleased to find your work.
I’m not surprised to see from the comments that people can relate and are coming forward with their own struggles. This is what’s it’s all about, getting people talking …
We’re the lucky ones ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻❤️❤️❤️
Looking forward for seeing you soon.
#suicideprevention
Hiya mate, thank you for your kind words. It was so nice to meet you at The Big Step event, hopefully see you at the next one soon?
Addiction in any form is just horrible.
You were exactly right about lockdown. Only 21 and struggling mentally with the money I have lost. 2 Grand from slots. Thank you for sharing your story and hats off to you buddy.
Thanks Connor 🙏 if you fancy a chat on email or phone please feel free to reach out to me: info@theinvisibleaddiction.com wishing you well mate
Two grand? You are lucky it wasn't more. I know it may seem like a lot and it is, but it's a small price to pay to learn about the perils of gambling. Dont chase it my friend! Move on and live your life by respecting your money. I was your age when I learned this lesson. When you win it's not real it just makes you want to gamble more and when u lose alot you start thinking about recovering your losses.. gambling my friend is a losing endeavor
Nice video bud 👍
Thank you 🙏
I could have done without all the rambling and theatrics at the beginning, but Interesting story! Thanks for sharing. For other listeners, skip to 14:35 to get to the meat.
👍
What an incredibly rude and insensitive thing to say, Alex is showing his true emotions which clearly to this day have negatively affected his life and you have the audacity to refer to his emotions as rambling and theatrics. Shame on you.
Alex I would like to thank you for including the introduction it really provides a clear perspective on what this means to you and how it has affected you. It is very brave of you to overcome your embarrassment and publicly publish your true emotion for all to hear. Thanks for the podcasts
Stay strong
😀👍🇵🇪
Thank you ☺️
Do people there play BINGO?
How are you doing now ?
Starts at 14:00 Watch at 1.25x or 1.5x Speed
Last night I lost £1100 on online betting..I was betting On sports I never played 😒don't have clue wats going on
Hope you're OK
Gambling shouldn't even be legal worse than drug dealers
A stiff drink will answer nothing.. 🙌☕
Teach your children to become bookies folks. There's one born every minute. 💰💰💰
Are you still free from gambling.?.now
Yes :)
Its.very hard to stop
Hi....saju bhijan.Dhaka.Bangladesh
Huge respect for sharing your story but it worries me your still betting on the horses and you think its ok, as we know its not and could lead back to the old ways of massive compulsion.
Thanks for your well wishes John. You’re absolutely right; I steer well clear of any betting these days. It wouldn’t be right!
I’m bailing after 10 minutes of nothingness
He never gets to the actual story... waste of time
Stop saying uuuhmmm
no one made you gamble ? you were cool when things were on the up . Got to say do u expect the casino to say thats enough ? really jings thats how they make there money the same as some lucky punters get a turn of the high life.
Gambling best drug dude. !!!
Maybe for you. But categorically the worst for me.
@@THEINVISIBLEADDICTION Play Baccarat. If you was to go back.
@@THEINVISIBLEADDICTION Better then Roulette tie u get money back u dont lose. Blackjack I would try to never bust I dont believe in just playing basic strategy that way you never bust EVER even its a low chance. Different way of playing.
@@THEINVISIBLEADDICTION Baccarat isnt just luck dont believe what is being said. They have a scoreboard probability matters...it streaks the most of all games. Knowing how to win & walking away most important thing in gambling.
@@THEINVISIBLEADDICTION I love it dude...even if its bad. Its a belief system. Im a whale if I lose It will be a bad day. I dont believe in losing though.
In the future, get to the story. Don't need a 15 minute sorry arse introduction mate.
Shit...I'm 7 minutes in and he hasn't said a damn thing yet. I'm out.
Ikr
@@porchforty8639guess he isn't interested in subs.
I am an ex-gambler and watch these types of videos all the time. This guy is literally unwatchable.
And he wants to start to radio show?????