30 Cold Water Dips Before Sarah Turns 30

My name is Sarah B and I am a compulsive gambler. 

I am doing 30 cold water dips before I turn 30 to raise funds and awareness for Gambling with Lives. 

Gambling addiction is known as the silent addiction. Most people won’t know you’re an addict or have a gambling problem. ’But you don’t look like a gambling addict?’ Or ‘You don’t know anything about sports?’ Well, what does a gambling addict look like? Up to 42,000 people in Northern Ireland are 'problem' gamblers, and for every individual gambler, a further six people are affected adversely.

The province has the highest rate of problem gambling in the UK - four times higher than England against a backdrop of increased poverty and levels of poor mental health. Not surprising we also have the least services, funding and regulations available for compulsive gamblers and those affected due to the current political situation or lack of.

In February 2023 I admitted I was powerless over gambling - that my life had become unmanageable. Spending my months wages the very next day after I got them, spinning slots practically 24/7 - at times spinning £300 per spin. Sometimes I was just glad when my money was all gone cause it meant I could stop gambling.
I had no interests in anything anymore and gambling had taken all my joy in life. I started taking small steps by saying no to gambling, saying just for today I will not gamble.

One day at a time and with lots of support from friends and Gamblers Anonymous community, eventually the days start to stack up and things can get better. When I say I'm not going to gamble today, I get to celebrate that every time I wake up and start again the day after.
Every day I say no to gambling is a good day, it means I’ve managed to avoid the constant casino available at my fingertips or the bookies every other street or betting on two flies going up the wall.

 I am in recovery and I’m not afraid to say it, because there are other people struggling in the same position with very little services for compulsive gamblers available in NI. Thankfully I was able to get the support from Dunlewey Addiction Services for support and I couldn’t be more thankful. We need to end the stigma, and tell our stories.

You can be a woman or a man with a gambling addiction, it’s not just about sports or about bingo -  gambling can be anything and it’s everywhere.  If you’re battling something just know you’re not alone, and there is help out there. Reach out if you are struggling with addiction or mental health. There is an entire recovery community waiting for you.

Gambling with Lives was set up by the families and friends of young men and women who have taken their own lives as a direct result of gambling.

They provide much needed support to those bereaved by gambling related suicides, and raise awareness of the dangerous effects of gambling on mental health and suicide risk. Gambling with lives campaigns to end gambling advertising and change gambling legislation. 

Please join me in making a difference by supporting a good cause! I'm raising money for Gambling With Lives and any donation will help make an impact.

Thank you so much in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me.