Breaking free from gambling addiction: A personal journey

A gambling addiction is one of the loneliest struggles a person can face. It’s difficult to recognise and even harder to admit. But if you know what to look for, you can spot the signs. I’ve not just studied gambling addiction; I’ve lived through it. Nearly six years removed from my last bet, I want to share my experience with you in the hope that it might offer encouragement and insight.

Understanding gambling addiction

Gambling addiction can be deceptive. You may not realise how much control it has over your life until it’s too late. The thrill of gambling can seem exciting at first, but over time, it takes a heavy toll. I found myself trapped in a cycle that felt impossible to break, but I want to tell you that recovery is possible.

My journey to recovery

When I first stopped gambling, I struggled with intense dreams—more like nightmares. I’d wake up thinking I had gambled again. The dreams were so vivid that I questioned whether I had placed a bet. While I missed the excitement of gambling, I soon realised it was that very thrill that had been destroying me.

Through counselling, I started to understand the deeper issues behind my addiction. However, once my sessions ended, I was left to face the world alone—until I returned for further support. I did this several times, and each time, I felt a little stronger. My counsellor had always suggested Gamblers Anonymous (GA), and eventually, I was ready to take that step. It was a pivotal moment in my recovery. Counselling had provided me with the tools I needed to understand my addiction, but GA became the crucial next step in my journey toward lasting recovery.

The strength I drew from the Gamblers Anonymous community was immeasurable. A unique bond forms when people who truly understand each other’s struggles come together. We shared victories, setbacks, and wisdom; through it all, I never felt alone. Listening to others who had been through similar struggles gave me hope and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

The role of counselling in recovery

Counselling was a crucial part of my recovery. It helped me identify the root causes of my addiction and gave me the tools to manage my cravings. But it was more than just stopping a behaviour; it gave me a sense of purpose. Through counselling, I realised I was meant to become a counsellor myself. I’m incredibly grateful for my addiction because it led me to a fulfilling career—something I never thought possible while stuck in a dead-end job.

What can you expect from counselling if you’re struggling with a gambling addiction?

You will be given a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Having an addiction can often make you feel isolated, but in counselling, you’ll have someone to talk to whose goal is to make you feel seen and heard. Counsellors offer empathy by truly understanding your feelings and experiences from your perspective. This deep connection helps you feel safe and understood, even during difficult moments.

When I was struggling with my addiction, I wanted to hide and blend into the background. But counselling helped me realise that I deserved more than that. My self-worth was shattered, but counselling slowly helped me piece it back together. A counsellor provides unconditional positive regard, meaning they accept you completely without judgment, no matter what you're going through. This helped me understand that I am worthy of love and support, regardless of my past mistakes or struggles.

Counselling is not just about managing anxiety and depression; it’s also about talking through things that you might struggle to say to friends and family. Gambling addiction can feel incredibly isolating, but counsellors provide a space where you can speak freely and openly about your experience—a space that’s dedicated to you, offering clarity and peace. This therapeutic relationship is built on congruence, where the counsellor is genuine and authentic with you, providing a real and honest connection. This creates an environment where you can heal and make lasting changes.

Building a support system for recovery

Stopping gambling isn’t just about therapy; it’s about putting in place the blocks that protect you from the urges you may face. Tools like Gamban software were incredibly helpful, as was contacting my bank to block gambling transactions. It’s also vital to have someone to talk to who truly understands. Let’s face it—friends and family may mean well, but unless they've experienced addiction themselves, they don’t fully understand the struggle.

It also helped when my family started learning more about gambling addiction. Understanding made them better able to offer support, and it allowed us to communicate more openly. Having this mutual understanding strengthened our bond and gave me the support I needed to keep moving forward.

Hope for the future: Recovery is possible

If you’re reading this and struggling with a gambling addiction, I want to say this with the utmost respect: recovery is within your reach. You can take control of your life one day at a time. No matter how hard it feels, you have the strength to stop.

In moments of intense cravings, I found it helpful to have a list of activities that grounded me, like going for a walk, reading, or calling a supportive friend. These small actions gave me the strength to stay in control.

I was amazed at my strength throughout this process. Recovery helped me discover parts of myself I never knew existed: a sense of patience, self-compassion, and determination that carried me through difficult times. As I moved through recovery, I also started to reclaim the power I had lost to addiction. Each day, I stayed strong, and each decision to walk away from temptation made me feel more in control of my life—and that sense of empowerment was transformative.

At times, I felt like I had taken two steps forward and one step back. I realised that setbacks don’t define me, but my ability to get back up and keep moving forward does. Recovery is about progress, not perfection. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being persistent.

I encourage you to seek professional support, whether through counselling, Gamblers Anonymous, or another support group. Recovery is a journey, you don’t have to walk it alone. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to a brighter future.

If you're struggling right now, it's okay to take things one step at a time. Recovery isn’t about having all the answers right now; it’s about finding the strength to keep going. Even the smallest step forward is still progress. You are stronger than you know, and your journey is worth every effort.

Today, I look back with gratitude—grateful not just for the career that came out of my struggles but for the person I’ve become through this process. Recovery has given me not just freedom from addiction but also a deeper appreciation for life and the strength within me.