Veterans Gambling Addiction Support | Andy’s Story
Veterans Gambling Addiction Support – Andy’s Recovery Story
Andy Gallie’s experience with gambling addiction started at a young age, his story is an example of how early exposure to addictive activities can spiral into a lifelong struggle. At just 9 years old, gambling became Andy’s main method of escape and by 13 his mother had already noticed the effects gambling was having on Andy and as such called a member from Gamblers Anonymous to try and counsel him.
“I started gambling at the age of 9. Having now been through therapy, I can see that gambling gave me everything. It calmed my busy head, gave my mum peace, and saved arguments.”
In his later teen years, his gambling addiction had already taken root, leading to a decline in his school work and relationships, going from a straight-A student to getting C’s and D’s. Whilst in college he worked in a hotel, but after deciding he needed a better paying job, Andy decided to enrol for the Royal Navy.
In joining the Navy at 18, Andy was hoping for a fresh start but unfortunately, he encountered an environment that only fuelled his addiction. When he was first toured around his military base, Gambling fruit machines were readily available, and the culture around him normalised risky behaviours.
‘I knew I was normal… everyone else has been making something out of nothing… everyone is doing it… I had found my people, I felt normal, I had a new-found ego”
Andy’s story demonstrates the importance of early intervention, education about the risks of gambling, and support for addicts. Our goal is to provide veterans with the tools they need to address these challenges before they escalate.
How Military Culture Can Cause Gambling Addictions
Military life and culture can often exacerbate addictions, as risk-taking and stress become part of the daily routine. For Andy, joining the Navy didn’t just mean new responsibilities; it also brought him face-to-face with an established gambling culture. In this environment, gambling was already deeply embedded, which made it difficult for him to break away from his addiction.
“There was a drinking culture, risk-taking culture, and gambling culture, with regular horse racing, blind boxing, and raffle events while on deployment.”
The pressures of military training, alongside the continuous access to gambling and a sense of belonging within this culture, only made Andy’s situation worse. He wasn’t alone in this struggle; many service members and veterans find themselves turning to gambling as a way to cope with the mental and emotional demands of their roles.
At Veterans Welfare Group, we recognise the link between military culture and gambling addiction. Our programs are designed to help veterans break these habits by offering them the resources and support they need to address the root causes of their addiction, such as stress and trauma.
The Financial and Emotional Impact of Gambling on Families
Andy’s gambling addiction didn’t just affect him, it had a domino effect on his family. Financial troubles continued to mount, as he fell deeper into debt from his gambling, and emotional strain became a daily reality.
“I was £30,000 in debt… At home, gambling would play a part in domestic abuse. Financial abuse and emotional abuse are prevalent on a daily basis.”
As his debt increased, so did the tension within his household. Andy’s addiction led to the emotional distance being created between him and his children, who wanted a normal father. “My children craved attention and for me to be a “normal” dad. They didn’t want money, toys or things, they didn’t care what car we drove or where we lived, they just wanted love”.
At Veterans Welfare Group, we understand that gambling addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it snowballs and starts to also affect loved ones, causing harm that can last for years.
Using our trusted, directory of trusted organisations and professionals, our focus at the Veterans Welfare Group is not only on the individual, but also extend to their families, providing them with tools to heal from the emotional and financial damage that can be caused by gambling.
Overcoming Gambling Addiction
For Andy, the turning point came after years of struggling with addiction and its consequences. His gambling reached a peak when at the age of 27 won £125,000, just to have gambled it all away in just a few hours. This moment marked a significant low in his life, which subsequently led him to “strong suicidal ideation feelings”, which in turn led to him making an attempt on his life.
“I had gone from being able to afford a house outright to not being able to afford nappies and milk… I was left with strong suicidal ideation feelings.”
This peak in his addiction forced Andy into seeking help, but his road to recovery wasn’t straightforward. He attempted to come clean about his addiction while in the Navy to his divisional officer, but instead of receiving support, he was told to “keep that to yourself”. This only deepened his isolation and fuelled his addiction further.
Eventually, after seeking therapy and realising he couldn’t fight this battle alone, Andy began to turn his life around. For veterans with gambling addictions, sometimes the hardest step to take is the first one, recognising that you do need help and that you are not alone in your struggles.
Our expert support team at Veterans Welfare Group, understand that reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps, but it’s also the most important. We work to ensure veterans, like Andy, get the support they need when they’re ready to make a change.
Reach Out Today, Call Our Expert Support Team For The Assistance You Deserve
Support Programs for Veterans with Gambling Addiction- Battling The Odds Campaign
Veterans like Andy face unique challenges when it comes to overcoming gambling addiction. The pressures of military life, amplified by their transition back into civilian life, often make it difficult to escape the addictive behaviours that they’ve built over the years. Andy’s story highlights the importance of tailored support programs designed to help veterans recover.
“The training allows others to identify someone suffering gambling harms much earlier and provide early intervention via signposting to Beacon Counselling Trust or another member of the AFGSN…”
Andy now supports Beacon Counselling Trust as part of their Armed Forces Community Programme, which includes the Battling The Odds campaign. This campaign focuses on early intervention and education, helping veterans and service personnel recognise and address gambling addiction before it leads to severe consequences like debt or the loss of a military career.
At Veterans Welfare Group, we’ve partnered with Beacon Counselling Trust to ensure that their Battling The Odds campaign reaches as many veterans and Armed Forces members as possible. By sharing this specialised training, we aim to help prevent gambling addiction from taking hold in the first place.
For those who have already been affected, these programs provide a critical lifeline, offering the tools and resources needed to regain control and rebuild their lives.
Contact Veterans Welfare Group for Specialist, Tailored Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, especially within the Armed Forces or veteran community, the Veterans Welfare Group is here to help. We understand the unique challenges that veterans face and aim to help both the individual and their families in overcoming gambling addiction.
Whether you’re seeking early intervention, ongoing therapy, or simply need someone to talk to, our team is ready to assist. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse—reach out today and take the first step toward recovery.
Together, we can help veterans rebuild their lives and break free from the cycle of gambling addiction.
