Now Christian – from the Secrets of the Elite Force – wants to help others in the same situation
Christian lived a double life for a long time.
On the surface, he was a dedicated family man and successful at work, but his nights were filled with anxiety and gambling.
Now he wants to show that it is possible to get out of even the darkest moments.
– Dare to talk about it is the first step. There is help to be had, says Christian Eriksson, student and social pedagogue.
After being free from gambling for four years, Christian Eriksson, known from the secrets of the Elite Force, now wants to inspire and help others who struggle with gambling addiction. By opening up about his past, he hopes to show that there is a way out.
– It is not easy. But the most important thing is to start talking about it, says Christian Eriksson.
Christian says that sharing your burden makes the process easier and can be the start of a new life.
– Ease the pressure. It can be enough to share with a colleague, a close friend or family member, then you remove a few kilos from your backpack, says Christian Eriksson, student and social educator.
The bottom and the turning point
Christian hit rock bottom in 2018 and describes how the shame of having squandered the family’s money became unbearable and led to suicidal thoughts.
One day at the train station, he thought of jumping in front of a train, but the thought of the children stopped him.
– I realized that something had to change. I can’t go on like this, says Christian.
Small steps towards freedom
It was the beginning of a long road back. With the help of therapy and support from those closest to him, Christian began to get out of addiction.
– I contacted a therapist. It was about taking small steps, he says.
Now he is free to play, but he emphasizes that the work continues.
– There is nothing that will disappear. I have to think about what I do and what I put myself in for situations on a daily basis, says Christan.
And finally he has ended up in a good place in life.
– I feel very well. I have a new relationship and another child. Which is wonderful, says Christan Eriksson.
Fact: This is where you can turn if you have a gambling problem
The support line
The support line provides advice and support to people who gamble and their relatives. You can call here anonymously on 020-81 91 00. You can also chat at stodlinjen.se or email. Even you who work with gambling problems can turn to the Support Line.
Spelpaus.se
Via spelpaus.se, you can exclude yourself from all games that require registration.
Gambling Addiction National Association and Gambling Addiction Group
Spelberoendes Riksförbund and Spelberoendegruppen have local support associations and physical and digital self-help groups for gambling addicts and their relatives. Read more at spelberoende.se and spelberoendegruppen.se
Source: The Norwegian Public Health Agency and the Support Line.
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Was addicted to gambling – considered taking his own life: “Was about to jump”
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