[Zimbabwe]

I am really struggling with life in general at the moment. I have a gambling problem that is slowly but surly crushing me. I hate the lies and the deceit and the double life I lead. I began gambling aged 13/14 and was probably hooked by about 17/18. I went to University when I was 19 and lasted just a couple of weeks before I blew all my money and had to come back home. I told my parents I just didnt like the course and thats why I left. I then began stealing scrathcards from the shop I worked at to pay for my addiction. That inevitably cost me my job. As it was the local newsagents I worked at everyone in the area were friends or knew either me or my family. I cannot even begin to express how ashamed I still feel for what I did. Things started to go well though without gambling, I got a new job, went maybe 12 months without a bet, met a girl, enjoyed my job, repaid debts and began saving money. Gradually though I began to feel that life wasnt great. My girlfriend left me, I lost all intrest in my job, I had money but nothing to spend it on and no excitement in my life. Nothing that compared to gambling or stealing anyway. Here and there I would sneak a few bets on nothng major but it gave me an occassional buzz. I moved out from my parents so that I could gamble online whenever I wanted. I barely afforded my 2nd months rent and this month I might not be so lucky. Thing is I hate my life without gambling. Im lonely, weak, going absolutely nowhere, dont have many friends and do not trust myself. I want to go back to Uni next year but I can only see it ending badly. I want to quit gambling for good because I know it will destroy me. I have been to GA in the past and have seen people in crippled by gambling. I want to quit but the prospect of a life without gambling is depressing. Other than gambling I have nothing to look forward to, because of gambling I have nothing to look forward to. Sorry for the long post just wanted to get a few thoughts off my chest. Thanks for reading.

[Nape]

Have you ever thought of finding a new hobby to replace that gambling habits? Maybe you would enjoy some sports such as jogging,swimming and other hobbies which'll help you. The ultimate problem in your life is gambling addiction and you just need to eliminate it... FOR GOOD since it will not give you anything , even though you win and win and win... I know it's pointless and I think it's illegal and you are cheating yourself. Money needs to be coming from hardwork and not from the parents or dishonest acts and the worst part is you are using it to gamble and not the real purpose of money. Clearly think about it... is this worth it? Is this the life I wanted? Gambling all the time , losing and winning money with my parents hard-earned cash? Ponder on this thoughts. Instead of being a gambler , you could have a degree and a job right now... you could have lead a better life but what did you do?

I know it's a pretty hard time you're having right now (and sorry for the offending words) but it's never too late to change as long as you are still living. There is still a hope out there. Just quit and vow to yourself never to return again in that dark shadows. Find other things to do which is worth more than gambling and live life to the fullest than just playing crappy fun addictive stuffs which is no good. There is more to life than just gambling!