'My period drove me to gambling and I lost £1,000 a time'
Summary
Kiki Marriott, a 40-year-old woman from London, experienced a severe gambling addiction that she traced back to her menstrual cycle. She would gamble for up to 24 hours at a time, losing between £20 and £1,000 per session, leading to financial hardship and impacting her ability to afford basic necessities. Kiki realized her impulsive behavior and heightened emotions during her period fueled her desire for escapism through gambling. After hitting rock bottom and contemplating suicide, she sought help from GamCare and attended rehab, where she learned to manage her impulsive thoughts and feelings. Now a peer aid mentor, Kiki advocates for more open conversations and resources to support women struggling with similar issues, emphasizing that seeking help is a crucial step towards recovery and self-worth. She acknowledges the lasting impact of her addiction but is grateful for the opportunity to help others and has been gamble-free for almost two years.
(Source:Mylondon)