Have You Ever Considered Self-Destruction or Suicide as a Result of Your Gambling?

Have You Ever Considered Suicide Because of Gambling?

This is the hardest question. The most sensitive question. The most important question.

And the one that too many people quietly answer “yes” to.

Gambling addiction has the highest suicide rate of any addiction — nearly 20% of gambling addicts report suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Not because they’re weak. Not because they’re dramatic. Not because they’re selfish.

But because gambling addiction creates a unique kind of pain:

• financial ruin

• shattered trust

• lost identity

• emotional collapse

• chronic stress

• hopelessness

• shame

• isolation

And these feelings can become unbearable.

If you’ve ever had thoughts like:

“I can’t take this anymore.” “There’s no way out.” “I’ve ruined everything.” “They’re better off without me.”

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to stay in that darkness.

Why Gambling Addiction Creates Suicidal Thoughts

1. The financial destruction feels irreversible

Gamblers often lose:

• savings

• retirement

• credit

• loans

• housing stability

• relationships

It feels impossible to repair — but countless people have repaired their lives.

2. The shame becomes overwhelming

Shame is a silent killer.

You feel:

• embarrassed

• guilty

• worthless

• helpless

But shame is not the truth — it’s a symptom.

3. The secrecy builds pressure

Hiding your pain makes it worse.

Secrecy destroys hope. Connection restores it.

4. You feel like you’ve become someone you don’t recognize

Addiction twists your identity.

You feel like:

• a failure

• a disappointment

• a burden

• an imposter

But this version of you is temporary.

5. The emotional exhaustion becomes unbearable

You’re tired of:

• chasing losses

• lying

• debt

• stress

• panic

• guilt

Anyone would struggle under that.

But there is a way out — and you deserve support.

My Own Experience: “I Didn’t Want to Die — I Just Didn’t Know How to Live Like That Anymore”

I never planned to end my life. But there were days where I thought:

“If this is going to be my life forever, I don’t want it.”

I didn’t want to die. I wanted the PAIN to die.

I wanted the shame to end. The panic to stop. The stress to go away.

And the truth is:

You don’t need to end your life to end your pain — you need help, support, and recovery.

What to Do If You’re Feeling Hopeless

1. Tell someone RIGHT NOW

Tell:

• a friend

• a family member

• a partner

• someone in recovery

• a helpline

Speaking breaks the darkness.

2. Call or text 988 (U.S.)

This is the suicide and crisis lifeline.

If you’re outside the U.S., search “suicide hotline + YOUR COUNTRY.”

Someone will answer — 24/7.

3. Go to a gamblers anonymous meeting

You will meet people who’ve felt exactly like you. And they’re still alive.

Because recovery works.

4. Remove access to gambling

Your brain cannot heal while you’re gambling.

Use:

• Gamban

• BetBlocker

• bank blocks

• self-exclusion

Protect yourself from impulses.

5. Work with a therapist or counselor

Professional help saves lives.

You deserve support — not silence.

Final Thought: Your Story Isn’t Over — It’s Just Beginning

If gambling addiction pushed you to your darkest place, please hear this:

You are not alone. You are not broken. You are not beyond repair. You are not a burden. You are not hopeless.

You are a person in pain — and pain can be healed.

There is a path forward that doesn’t involve gambling, doesn’t involve shame, and doesn’t involve hiding.

You can recover. You can rebuild. You can reclaim your life.

One day at a time.