My struggles with gambling addiction. (page 2)

What we can influence and where we can help, let us focus there. 

Have a nice day.😊☘️

I am back... and I did it!

After I wrote this post - I struggled for another 5 months. In november, I found the most easy way ever to uninstall Gamban on my phone, and after that it escalated. I could play anywhere, anytime.

But... for some reason I had to deal with my addiction without being dependable of a tool that would block me. It was all up by myself now. So on December the 5th, I made my last deposit.

So what changed? I'll try to explain.

1. I was totally exposed, and I could see the spiraling downpath to me being broke. I had to stop.
2. The mindset. I felt that I always lost. I started to feel how rigged everything was. It was a growing distaste of the industry. I started to hate casinos even more.
3. Keep in mind - every spin on a slot is just a low chance to win anything. The graphics are just there to keep the impression something is happening, but the moment you click to spin, your win have already been calculated - and it's obvious on some casinos where you can actually see your deposit increase before the animations have finished. Like if you win freespins - those 10 or 20 freespins doesn't matter. The total sum have already been determined by the system before the first freespin have happened. <-- This is one of the things that I disliked about it which helped me to distance myself.
4. Again, the mindset. It's a greedy, horrible industry that will make everything in their power to take your money.
5. Again, the mindset. If you spend $1000 every month on casinos. Try think differently. If you do NOT gamble, you will HAVE those $1000 that month, and next month too.

I am aware it's easy to fall back. I have falled back 1000 times. But I KNOW I can do it, and you can too. Never lose faith of your own ability to break free. And the positive thing is - the first weeks are the hardest - then it's getting easier because your body is pushing the urge away.

I have now been free almost three months - and I am iron willed about it.

❤

I am so happy for you. Thank you for coming back to us with this post of positivity.

I wish you to stay strong and feel better and better about yourself.😉

This is my first reply on the forum, but I couldn't get past your story.

I hope you make it through, strength and patience in such a difficult journey 🙏🏻.

Moral hug

Don’t try to focus on why you relapsed again.

A relapse is part of the journey to a gambling free life.

Just concentrate on keeping space between you and gambling.

With hard work and determination it is possible to overcome the curse

Hey everyone. I celebrate 5 months free from gambling.

Have I thought about it? Yes!

Have I taken the step to gamble? NO!

Because one part of me recognise the excitement.

But I also remember the...

• Lies to your close and relatives.
• The anxiety of how I couldn't stop when I wanted.
• How I had to save on everything else to be able to afford the gambling.
• How I persuaded myself and found reasons to gamble.
• How I cried and screamed in my car when I was driving because I couldn't stop.
• The feeling when I played up my last euro on that last spin.

To anyone reading this: YOU CAN DO IT!

The longer you stay away from it, the easier it becomes! ❤

I've got goosebumps reading your post!

You really can do it. Stay strong. 🙂

Well done on your journey to a life away from gambling.

With focus and determination it can be done to beat this curse.

Please keep us updated on your progress ❤️

Hey everyone. 9 months, and I don't feel I struggle anymore with falling back.

I admit I have had thoughts of just making a deposit and play... like one time. I admit I like to think I am in control... but everytime I have those thoughs I ask myself the most important question...

Will I be content with just that single deposit, or will it ruin it for me?

Will I not think that "the damage is done" and now I can make a second or third deposit?

Do I really think I will be in control THIS time when I wasnt in control for 12 years?

Answering those questions is enough for me to stay away. I am determined to not fall back, and it's not a hard decision.

I think these are great questions, and if you keep away from gambling, you're doing well.

It's very nice to hear that after some time you got it under control, and I believe it's a great feeling. 

Not everyone can say that, but I believe the most important thing is to embark on this journey and get started.

May it last as long as possible and may you remain gambling-free.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.☘️🤞

That sounds like a really tough journey, thanks for being open about it. I’m new around here myself, but I hope you’re able to find some support that really sticks this time. Wishing you the best as you keep working on it.

Thank you for sharing. I was very afraid to start playing as I had a negative example of a friend who lost his apartment in a casino (of course, it was an illegal casino)

It's quite inspiring eventually. I hope everything is still good so far.

Well, right now I'm dealing with the same problem you had. I'm sure you've overcome it, and that makes me happy. I had a relapse recently, and I'm trying to reason with myself and find a way to prevent it from happening again. Gamban didn't work for me; it's easy to cheat on a mobile device. It's sad, but if you want to gamble, you ALWAYS end up finding a way to do it. I wish we all had that determination not to gamble.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Hey everyone! Last day of the year and still free of gambling. It's 1 year and 18 days.

Not a single urge to deposit. Contrary, I feel disqust for the market!

To everyone that stuggles, keep in mind - There is a barrier you need to cross, and it's VERY hard the first days and weeks, but the longer it goes, the easier it gets!

Peace ❤

That deserves a standing ovation, if you ask me... Very well done; keep up the best efforts!

I wish you strong will and tons of happiness in 2026! 🎉🙌🙌🙌

That's great to hear, my account starts from mid-November 2025, there was a relapse and I'm sure it will be the last one.

Cheer up, everyone!

Hello, everyone! Tell me how you are dealing with addiction.

I believe that one of the steps on how to deal with it is to find help, for sure, so you don't go through it all alone.

Is there anything we could do for you, perhaps? Do you experience any issues?

Hi Pulliaes,

Welcome to the discussion. Dealing with addiction is a bit different for everyone, but most people work hard to replace gambling with a less harmful activity. Its a journey full of learning about yourself and what gambling does to you. Both to your brain and your soul.

Here is a comprehensive guide: https://casino.guru/responsible-gambling-guide/overcoming-problem-gambling

You can also browse the forum to find replies from users dealing with gambling addiction, or this section to find other resources.

How do you feel about gambling and addiction?