I've been where you are.
Iβll never forget the first time I gambled at 16 years old. I still remember the excitement, the rush and the feeling it gave me. Little did I know how much gambling would go on to control my life.
By 19, I practically lived in TABs, pokie rooms and casinos, constantly chasing losses and convincing myself the next bet would change everything. Iβd work my arse off all week, only to gamble my entire pay away every Friday. Come Monday, Iβd be back at work doing it all over again. I wasnβt working to build a future anymore. I was working to fund my addiction.
I lost everything externally. My money, jobs, relationships and friendships. Then eventually, I lost myself. At 24, I finally asked for help. I knew I couldnβt do it on my own, and looking back, asking for help was the best decision I ever made.
Today, Iβm over 9.5 years gamble-free, and I now dedicate my time to helping others break free from the same cycle I once lived in. If thereβs one thing Iβve learnt, itβs that you donβt have to do this alone.
Troy Reardon