Stories of players who have dealt with addiction
Below are four detailed examples of real people. In each case: what happened, how they came to a decision, what tools they used and what they achieved.
History 1. Alexey, 34 years old - from debt to stability
1. Problem
Regular bets on sporting events - first 500 ₴/ned., A year later 20,000 ₴/mes.
Credit card debts of 150,000 ₴, constant stress.
2. Break point
After three missed payments, the bank threatened a collection agency.
Panic attack at night - awareness of "I lose control."
3. Tools and steps
Blocking: installed LeechBlock, banning access to bookmakers' sites.
Financial audit: together with his wife compiled a table of expenses and debts.
Psychologist: Three months of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Group support: Weekly Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
4. Result in a year
Full repayment of debts for 10 months.
A new habit: monthly "family budget" and general reports.
Confidence and calmness: Alexey returned to his hobby without money - sports and fishing.
Story 2. Marina, 28 years old - from online slots to volunteering
1. Problem
Dependence on mobile slots: 2-3 hours a day, spending up to 5,000 ₴/mes.
Loss of concentration at school, scandals with parents.
2. Break point
Parents threatened eviction if they didn't stop.
Five days of "detox": I threw my phone into a safe at sea with friends.
3. Tools and steps
Detox regimen: 24-hour "digital diet" every week.
Replacement activity: volunteering in an animal shelter - 10 hours/week.
Mobile locks: special applications with a third-party password (mother).
Feeling Diary: recorded the desire to play and how it feels.
4. Result in six months
Complete cessation of the game for money.
New goals: volunteer projects, design courses.
Emotional balance: anxiety decreased, life satisfaction increased.
Story 3. Sergey, 45 years old - from trade spree to financial literacy
1. Problem
Stock market gambling: used leverage, lost 300,000 ₴.
Breakup with a partner, depression.
2. Break point
Suicide attempt after another "drain" overnight.
Hospitalization and treatment for depression.
3. Tools and steps
Therapy: a course of antidepressants and psychological support.
Education: took courses in financial literacy and risk management.
Mentor: weekly consultation with a financial adviser.
Self-control: forbade himself any speculation without a striking partner.
4. Result in two years
He restored relations with his family, resumed joint trips.
Mastered low-risk investing: stock ETFs with a monthly investment plan.
Inner calm and lack of desire to "get rich quickly."
Story 4. Irina, 39 years old - from eternal bets to personal development
1. Problem
Participation in poker tournaments on weekends: expenses up to 10,000 ₴/mes.
Constant guilt and secrecy in front of loved ones.
2. Break point
Daughter's refusal to go to her birthday because of the tournament.
The decision "I no longer want to lose important things for the sake of cards."
3. Tools and steps
Clear boundaries: 90-day refusal of any gambling.
New rituals: family outings on Saturdays instead of tournaments.
Reflection: monthly meetings with a coach on goal-setting.
Rewards: for every 30 days without bets - a certificate for a master class.
4. Result in a year
Full switching to the career of a psychologist - learns and helps others.
Restoring family trust, traveling with my daughter.
Strong internal motivation and new goals in the profession and hobby.
Conclusions and key lessons
Recognition of the problem and honest "real" accounting of losses start the change process.
Technical barriers (locks, stop limits) work only in conjunction with personal motivation.
Professional and group support accelerates recovery and ensures accountability.
Substitute activities (volunteering, sports, hobbies) reduce anxiety and give a sense of benefit.
Gradual small victories and a reward system strengthen self-belief and maintain motivation.
Each story is unique, but in all - a combination of recognition, control tools and external support gave a chance to return to a full life without addiction.
