My name is Julie*, I’m 35 and I’m an executive in a dynamic company. Online gaming? Just a distraction, a click during my lunch break. Until €100 became €500, then €1,000, and the losses just kept piling up. It wasn’t long before I found myself trapped in a vicious circle, invisible to others.
I lost control, not just of my money
It all started innocently enough: a slot machine, a virtual jackpot, an adrenaline rush. Then, the next day, I went back. In the evening, on my way home from work. At lunch, in my thoughts. The game always promised me “a chance to win back”, but each click pushed me further away. At the end of the month, I panicked: I was overdrawn. But instead of quitting, I bet again: “I’ll make it back”. An illusion that cost me more than my money.
I hide everything. I tell my colleagues I’m tired. To my loved ones, that everything’s fine. To myself… I lie. And yet, I feel unease, guilt and a dull tension in my chest whenever I’m not playing. The game occupies my thoughts, my dreams, my days. I isolate myself. I’m losing thousands of euros, but little by little, I’m also losing myself.
A real addiction, backed by science
Online gaming addiction is not a whim; it’s a disorder recognized by professionals. The ease of access, the instant gratification, the bonuses, the notifications… everything is designed to trigger the loop of uncontrolled desire. Studies show that online casinos multiply addictive mechanisms – and people like me are the first victims.
In France, nearly 8% of adults are considered to be at risk, and addiction is particularly high in Internet gaming – particularly online slot machines, which account for 15.8% of problem cases. It’s not just a question of willpower: it’s a question of the brain, of reward circuits, of emotional need.
How I got back on my feet
It all clicked one morning when I saw my bank statement. I was in the red, dangerously so. I couldn’t go forward on my own. That’s when I took the step that saved me: I sought help. Not yet ready to face a psychologist, I consulted specialized sites, testimonials and reliable information. SOS Joueurs, sites specializing in addiction. I realized that I wasn’t alone and that this addiction had a path, solutions and people trained to help me.
Little by little, I learned to identify my triggers: boredom, pressure at work, moments of stress. I installed filters on my phone. I contacted specialized professionals. I discovered that it’s possible to get out of this inner conflict, not in one click, but not alone.
What about you? It’s never too late to stop
Do you recognize yourself in my story? Have you ever tried to cut down, stop, or feel that the game is taking up too much space? It’s not a question of shame, but of understanding and taking action.
At MyLaserTabacwe have set up an innovative support system for those suffering from online gambling addiction. Thanks to our protocol, including the anti-addiction auricular laseryou can regain a gentle balance, anchored in your body, without risk-taking or medication – but with listening, expertise and kindness.
