🎲💔 “I gambled away our wedding money in one night.”
Elissa Hubbard’s wedding in sunny Cyprus took a shocking turn when she found herself alone in the hotel lobby, glued to her phone, gambling away all the money gifted on her big day. What started as a harmless flutter spiralled into a full-blown addiction that first took root when she was just nine years old, introduced to the world of gambling by using fruit machines at local pubs.
For years, Elissa’s life was consumed by gambling. She would rush home from work to gamble her hard-earned cash, neglecting her own basic needs. She hid her addiction from loved ones, losing up to £40,000 a year and relying on payday loans. Her secret finally came out when her ex-partner confronted her over the missing wedding money. The consequences were devastating: Elissa lost her marriage, home, job, and the trust of her family.
In her darkest moment, a loved one helped guide Elissa to the Adferiad addiction support service, where she began her journey to recovery. Despite relapses and turning to alcohol and prescription drugs, Elissa persevered. Reaching out to support networks, she discovered a new purpose—helping others overcome similar struggles.
Today, Elissa is a beacon of hope, working as a Welsh Women’s gambling coordinator. She uses her experience to support others facing addiction issues, determined to convert her past struggles into a force for good. 💪❤️
Did you know? 340,000 adults in the UK are battling gambling addiction, with millions more at risk. Elissa now campaigns tirelessly for stricter controls on gambling, especially where children might be exposed.
Her story is one of resilience and redemption, proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your future. 🌟
#GamblingAwareness #RecoveryJourney #HopeAndHelp #BeTheChange