My gambling addiction has taken over my life

DEAR DEIDRE: MY gambling habit is out of control. Pay day is my fun day of trying to recoup my losses from the previous month.

I am 20 and discovered online betting a couple of months ago on my cousin’s stag weekend. We went to the races. With my first two bets I won £200 so I was quids in and delighted.

I decided to try to save for a motorbike by making more bets, but started to lose.

I’ve now lost £2,000. I can’t help myself. Even at work I am on my phone looking at odds and making a bet.

I am scared stiff my mum will find out. She was made homeless as a child when her dad gambled their money away.

She’d disown me if she knew what I’m doing. 

DEIDRE SAYS: Well done for understanding that you already have an addiction. You can tackle your habit before you run into debt or your debts are overwhelming.

If you’re aiming for a bike or anything else, it is more within your reach without the gambling.

Be honest with friends and family and ask them to help.

As far as possible, make it impossible to lay any bets. Only take cash out with you for your work lunch, or take sandwiches.

Every night, transfer what you may have used in bets into a savings account.

If your phone is the difficulty, delete the gambling apps and install the gambling blocking software available. Find out more through my support pack called Gambling Problem.

MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE

KISS CRISIS

I shared drunken kiss with my friend's husband - I feel guilty when I see them

DEIDRE'S STORIES

Carl's girlfriend is surprised he's unfazed by men's comments on women