"I even gambled away my university tuition money."
I want to share my story of battling online gambling addiction . My life used to be chaotic, both personally and financially, but now, thanks to the treatment I've received at a center specializing in this type of addiction and the support of my family, I'm on the road to full recovery.
It all started when I was 18. I was in college and living in a dorm, where I had access to a computer in my room. At first, playing online was just a way to kill time. But I soon realized I could easily make money , and that's what attracted me. I started by betting small amounts, but I quickly began to increase the stakes, encouraged by the possibility of getting rich. The stakes kept rising, and I even ended up gambling money I couldn't afford to lose, like the tuition money my parents had given me.
Family, school and community prevention in the use of screens
My grades at university started to drop, I skipped classes, and I even dropped out , but I didn't care. I believed I always had a chance to make up for my losses. I spent entire nights in front of the screen, ignoring my responsibilities and distancing myself from my friends and family. My social life was falling apart, and my only concern was placing the next bet.
I was unaware of the risks involved in gambling and how it could affect my well-being and that of the people who love me.
My parents finally realized what was happening when they began to notice the decline in my mental and physical health . My moods were changeable and unpredictable, I was irritable most of the time, and my gambling debts were mounting. Finally, after losing a considerable sum of money in a single night, I decided to ask my parents for help, explaining what was happening to me. Although they struggled to understand what had happened, they were supportive and made an appointment with the family doctor at our local health center.
Overcoming gambling disorder
It was a difficult step, but I finally decided to make an appointment, as recommended by my family doctor at the primary care center, for a gambling addiction treatment program at the AIS Pro-Juventud mental health and behavioral addiction center. At first, it was a challenging journey. My mind was constantly battling distorted thoughts (according to my psychologist), such as, "It's okay to gamble once," and the urge to gamble again. But with the help of the treatment and the professionals, I began to learn to manage and control my impulses and understand the underlying causes of my addictive behavior.
I had to fight the thought of "it's okay to gamble once" and the urge to gamble again.
My family also played a vital role in my recovery. From the very beginning, they were involved in my treatment, offering their unconditional support even when things seemed insurmountable. Together, we worked on rebuilding the relationships my addiction had destroyed, distancing me from them. They took on the gambling debts I had accumulated, but with my commitment (as instructed by my therapist) that I would repay them as soon as I could.
Recovering from a behavioral addiction
Today, after several years of therapy and ongoing support, I can proudly say that I have overcome my online gambling addiction . My life has improved in many ways. I have resumed my studies, I am rebuilding relationships with friends and family, and I have found new, healthy ways to spend my free time, such as going out with friends, spending time with family, or joining a gym.
My message to anyone struggling with a similar addiction is that you are not alone. Seeking help is the first courageous step toward recovery, and with the right support, it is possible to overcome any addiction. My life is proof that you can regain control and build a better future.
To learn more about gambling addiction:
Reports on gambling addiction in adolescence , from the Social Observatory of the La Caixa Foundation.
Ministry of Health's Gambling Prevention Campaign , which is part of the National Strategy on Addictions 2017-2024.
One more . Comic published by the Spanish Mental Health Confederation, aimed especially at young people for the prevention of gambling addiction.
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