Since I was 16 years old, I have struggled with a compulsive gambling addiction. It has affected my finances, my wellbeing and my relationships. It’s something I am not proud of, but I am now in recovery and sharing my story in the hope it may help others.
At my lowest point, I felt anxious, depressed and unable to sleep. I was constantly worried about how I would explain things to my daughter and friends. I knew things had to change when I once again had no money left after payday and couldn’t properly feed myself. That was rock bottom for me.
It had been building for years. After my mum passed away, I felt very alone and started going to bingo for the social side of it, but I always ended up back in the same cycle.
My turning point came after another night at bingo when I had spent all my wages and was left with £67 until payday. I broke down to a friend and colleague, Lynn Blezard, who is also a call-handling team manager, and told her everything. She didn’t judge me. She supported me and helped me contact Gamblers Anonymous. I will always be grateful she didn’t turn away from me.
Lynn continued to support me for about 15 months, whilst my daughter tracked my phone so she knew I was safe.
The first few weeks without gambling were not as hard as I feared, but the difficult moments came when I was alone after work and saw gambling adverts or online reminders. What has surprised me most is learning to save money. I had never had savings before, and now I am proud of it.
Support at work has been vital. People know my situation and regularly check in with me, which has made a real difference.
My first Gamblers Anonymous meeting was nerve-wracking. I sat in the car park for 20 minutes before going in, but I was made to feel welcome straight away. I’ve now been going nearly two years and even help chair meetings. I call it my “medicine” because it keeps me on track.
I am now 751 days gamble-free. I have savings for my retirement, I’ve been on holidays, and I’ve been able to put money towards a newer car.
Most importantly, my relationship with my daughter is stronger than ever. We have always been close, but now there is a deeper trust. My daughter, Louise Woolcombe, also works for NWAS, and I am very proud of her.
My grandson is my world. When he was first born, I would visit but leave early to go to bingo. Now I stay until I’m asked to leave. I bathe him, put him to bed, and he sometimes stays at mine. I have missed so much time in the past and I regret that, but I am fully present now.
Receiving my 90-day pen and my one-year medallion from Gamblers Anonymous were incredibly proud moments for me. I don’t like being the centre of attention, but they meant a great deal. I am now approaching my two-year medallion in May 2026, and I feel very proud of how far I have come.
Life now is completely different. I’m genuinely happy, financially stable and have a strong family life. My grandson starts school in September, and I hope to be able to take him and pick him up while his parents are at work. I am 65 next February, and I am really looking forward to my retirement.
You can read more inspiring stories like Suzannes in our Your Call magazine.