When is Gambling a Problem ?

Isn't this a very interesting question ?

If you are not a problem gambler, try asking a problem gambler ...

If you are a problem gambler, you know the answer very well ...

Many gambling problems started that way .... when one start losing ...

But not all will become a problem gambler, compulsive gambler or a gambling addict. We can't force anyone to admit that he's a problem gambler or a gambling addict. He must come to the realisation that he has a problem with gambling and that's when he's ready to seek help and take the first step:

"I admitted I am powerless over my gambling addiction and my life is unmanageable"

One may ask ....

Q:- "How long does it takes for a problem gambler to come to a realisation ? " 

Ans:- "it depends ...."but there are things family and love ones can do (see my other posts in the blog)"

Gambling destroy my life too ...... but I was constantly told that's only 1st half of my life.

It took 28 years (from my first bet) for me to reach rock bottom  and to surrender ...

28 years of spinning in the cycle of

Winning – Chase – Losing – Chase – Bigger Lost – DESPERATION – Cheat/Lies - Seek Bail out .......

Before coming into recovery, I have never realised or admitted that I have had serious gambling problems and surrendering was never on my cards.

It is always "I have ONLY HAD financial problems !!" Money is always my problem and GAMBLING was always my solution.

From a social gambler, started early, from card games, mahjong, bowling during my early teens, later at legal age of 18, it progressed to mahjong, 4D, Toto, football matches, horse racing and other sports betting. From betting with friends, to legalise betting outlets then towards illegal betting, developing from social gambler becoming action gamblers, escape gamblers and eventually becoming a problem gambler without even me noticing. During the years of my destructive gambling, I was chasing my bets in every possible games, 24hours a day, 7 days a week.

Over the years, I can only remember my wins, all my big wins and how I overcome huge lose and bet back with huge wins overnight ...... these are the highs which constantly registered on my mind.

The relationship which I had with this addictive personality had since developed into an intense and intimate relationship. It has allowed me to alter my mood changes as and when I need to achieve the sense of fulfillment which I needed in my life.... How I live my life then ??

The kind of life I live in was always "in reaction of my last bet and in anticipation of my next bet"

Imagine how fearful were those around me ..... Imagine the pain I bought to my family and love ones ....

Today, I have learnt how to arrest my gambling problems

Though still struggling, But I am grateful ...

Because I still have people by my side who loves me ...

Because the 1st half of my life has helped my to learn how to live my 2nd half better ...

Dear Punters,

"If you have crossed the line, seek help. There's help available, don't wait till you lose everything"