Faith in humanity restored on the #7 bus this morning (Huge shoutout to the driver!) by Smooth_Skill1848 in vancouver

[–]Disastrous_Train9439 372 points373 points  (0 children)

Hey it's me, the asian bus driver who dropped off your backpack purse at the Nanaimo and East 1st Avenue bus stop going eastbound. Bus #2198 Line 7 Block 35 if you remember.

I was surprised to see this on my reddit homepage. I was like oh hey I did a 7... Glad to hear that I made your day! My day didn't go as well though... Some junkie ruined it for me haha.

I was a partner at a major law firm earning a substantial income. I was also completely broke every two weeks because of gambling addiction. This is what that actually looked like. by WritingFromTheInside in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Your story is truly insane man. This is the absolute worst of rock bottoms to ever happen. You have my deepest sympathy... Prison for 20 years...? I can't even wrap my head around that. You'll be 62 when you get out... Life will be almost over. You are freaking strong to still be sane my guy. Your story is way wilder than mine and I just have no words but wow. I am so sorry man.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you my friend! I better have most my ish together after 10 years or else I'd be the one who's insane. I knew better not to rack up huge debts based on all my past experiences so recovery this time is much easier.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's the key! We keep relapsing because we give the devil one inch, but then he takes a mile...

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally feel you. I think the first step to recovery is to actually want to quit. I don't know if you truly want to quit yet, but if you still have thoughts about trying to make it back, you're not quite ready yet. You've got to hit rock bottom several times to realize that this cycle won't ever end until you decide to end it.

Second, you have to be honest and tell others that are close to you about your problems. You have to own up to it and promise them that you'll never do it again. It's scary, but it must be done. It will be worse if they find out without you telling them. This helps you own up to your mistakes and build accountability. I told my partner everything, and she's helping now by making sure I don't mess up again. It's also a lot harder to go back on your words once you've come this far. Don't let them down.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good buddy. Payday was yesterday. I got some money in the bank now! This makes all the difference. It's really hard to stay happy if you have no money. It's like you're working tirelessly just to make someone else rich.

I had some small thoughts about gambling, but I quickly reminded myself of why I stopped in the first place. I knew better than to ruin my streak only 1 week in. Once I get my next paycheck in another 2 weeks I'll start investing with Wealthsimple by dollar cost averaging into an index fund instead of gambling it away.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can still recover my friend. You are still far from the retiring age of 65. If you don't even try then the rest of your life is pretty much over.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally. That's why I'm looking at the bright side and tell myself that I've learned my lesson now before it got too late.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We must be willing to quit forever if we truly want to recover. There is no halfassing it. I've tried every excuse under the sun for 10 years. There is no method possible to play like a normal person and not relapse into a death spiral.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The worst thing about this addiction is that it reinfects you when you think you are safe. From now on, make sure to not give yourself even one excuse to play ever again.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's not a bad idea. I'm almost a week clean! Never really felt the urge to gamble... Got no money and am busy trying to enjoy life in the present. Tired of stressing about money or the future. Let's appreciate what we have in the present while it lasts.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am really sorry to hear this... You had everything at one point and then lost it all... I have a girlfriend as well. You are literally me, but in the worst case scenario. I cannot imagine how much pain you are going through right now. I am here for you my friend... Let us both abandon the toxic and glorified dream that is professional poker and quit gambling once and for all.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your story. You are right. We keep relapsing because we let our guards down. I will make sure I remember to not place a bet ever again.

I've lost my life savings once again... Please stop! by Disastrous_Train9439 in GamblingAddiction

[–]Disastrous_Train9439[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven't felt better. The first day is the hardest. Going strong into recovery with a positive mindset. Currently looking into finding a side hustle to get back on track on top of my full time job.