Many people come into contact with gambling through friends or family, and for some it can lead to a life-changing addiction. One woman shares her story of how an innocent start evolved into a serious gambling addiction and the path out of it.
The first encounter with gambling - an innocent start
For this woman, it all started with a tip from a friend. "A friend called me and told me that she had just won NOK 6,000 at the Norsk Tipping casino!" she says. Eager to try her luck herself, she logged in. "I didn't even know Norsk Tipping had a casino, but of course I had to try - and I won NOK 9,000!"
But what at first seemed like an exciting experience would quickly develop into something more serious. "This became the gateway," she says. Her winnings at Norsk Tipping led her on to other casinos, and soon the gambling began to escalate. "The whole time I had a gut feeling that this was wrong, but I just played more and more often - especially when I was drinking. Then it got out of hand."
The big winnings initially gave her a false sense of security, but eventually reality crept in. "I started to be afraid to check my bank account," she says, a fear many gambling addicts know well.
The insight - when gaming goes too far
The turning point came when she realized that her gambling was starting to affect her children. "I started borrowing money and lying about what it was for. When it also started to affect my children, I realized that this had gone too far," she says.
For many people struggling with gambling addiction, it can take time to realize how serious the situation has become. Lies and secrecy can fuel the addiction, and it's only when the negative consequences hit family and loved ones that the reality sinks in.
A bottle of wine and 5000 kroner - the turning point
What really prompted her to seek help was a particular evening that became a turning point. "I had emptied an entire bottle of wine on my own and gambled away NOK 5,000 in one evening. That's when I realized that I had to deal with this," she says.
She decided to contact the gambling watch team, and then got help through Gambling Addiction Norway. "I got in touch with Lill-Tove Bergmo, and that has been a huge help to me."
For many, it's just such a moment that prompts them to take action. When gambling becomes an act of regret and self-loathing, you realize it's time to ask for help.
Strategies that work - the way out of addiction
For her, getting support from Gaming Addiction Norway has been crucial. "They've been a fantastic help to me," she says. She has no doubt that seeking help is the most important advice she can give to others struggling with the same problem.
"For many years I knew I had a problem, but I avoided addressing it," she admits. Being honest with herself and getting help have been crucial steps in the process. "I would definitely recommend others to get in touch with Gambling Addiction Norway if they are struggling."
Life after addiction - a fresh start
Today, her life has changed completely. "Today it's great to be me!" she says with a smile. "I no longer wake up in the morning with regret and fear for what I did the night before."
She's been gambling-free for nine months and is looking forward to the future. "Life as a non-gambler is wonderful," she says, proud to have taken control of her life again.
For those who find themselves in the same situation as she did, her advice is clear: "Seek help before it goes too far. It's never too late to take control of your life again."
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