Recovering compulsive gambler, Ian, used to spend ‘24 hours of the day living in fear because of gambling.’
After taking his first bet back in 1961, Ian, who wants to keep his second name anonymous, instantly got hooked in to the thrill of gambling. “I used to earn 4 pound 10 shillings a week and after taking 4 bets I won which was the equivalent to 3 weeks wages,” said Ian. He added: “It first became interesting when I had a win.”
Picture Credit - Daria Sannikova
In just under two years, on his 17th birthday, Ian’s gambling problem took over. Suddenly, gambling became the only thing important to him and within a short space of time it was evident that it went from gambling for fun to an addiction. He said: “I began to beg, borrow and steal to feed my addiction. The more I did it the more it became like having a first cigarette. I just wanted more.”
Over the years Ian’s addiction increasingly got more serious after encountering five prison sentences and two divorces. The addiction turned him to crime and started bringing out his worst character traits. “I became a compulsive liar to cover the costs for my gambling,” said Ian. He added: “It turned me into a horrible person and I lost friends because I was bad news.”
In the last spells of Ian’s compulsive gambling he lost £250,000 of his Aunt’s inheritance in just ten months. “I’ve been snatched off the street and had a gun stuck to my head because I owed the wrong people money,” said Ian. He added: “But none of these things ever stopped me gambling. When a compulsive gambler is in action they are like a hamster on a wheel as they can’t get off.”
After finishing his first prison sentence Ian went to his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting after being given an ultimatum by his first wife. Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who have a compulsive gambling problem. It offers constant support to problem gamblers who want to change by delivering a 12 step recovery programme and regular meetings. However, Ian was still in denial of needing help when he first entered the fellowship. He said: “Sadly I didn’t want to stop. I just wanted to stop the questions and the nagging at home.”
Ian spent years going back and forth to Gamblers Anonymous but in 2009 he went back with the determination to stop gambling. He said: “Not only did I admit what I was but I have accepted that I will be a compulsive gambler till the day I die.” Ian is now the public relations officer for Gamblers Anonymous and travels nationwide sharing his story at places such as schools, universities and colleges.
After being 11 years gambling free Ian now champions its dangers. “People should be made aware that it is not all fun and games,” said Ian. He added: “People always say that alcohol and drug addictions can kill people but so can gambling. Over 700 people every year take their lives due to gambling.”
Ian now deems himself as in a good place and has discovered that after 50 years there is more enjoyment in giving rather than taking.
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