Gambling Addiction and the harm it causes people and communities with Mark Murray

Mark Murray, placed his first bet at the age of 16, something that started off as a bit of fun quickly turned into an addiction over 13 years.  

Mark gambled every day and built up debt with the wrong sort of people.  He was attacked with a hammer and ran off to a different country to try and escape his debt.  Mark had a number of failed suicide attempts and was kidnapped at the age of 29.

Mark finally got the help that he needed and now has gone 9 years without placing a bet and is the Co-Founder of the charity WHYSUP.

“To anyone who might be listening to this podcast, that has got a family member or friend that might be going through addiction. When you are going through it, it's the worst thing in the world.  It doesn't have to be gambling, but if it's having a massive impact on your life and you are thinking this is never going to get better and there is no way out.  One thing I would like to make clear is there is always a way out, there are always people, even if you’ve lost every family member, and every friend there are always people that will help you.  There are people who will open their doors and will help you fight, so don’t feel alone or feel like the only way out is to take your own life”. Mark Murray

Today on The Community Safety Podcast:

• Mark will share his experience of becoming a dad at an early age.
• How he dealt with the fallout within the family
• Relationship with gambling ‘the all or nothing relationship’
• The reason why people may turn to gambling, and why they use it as a way out.  
• The moment when Mark had to flee for his life
• Being kidnapped at the age of 29
• The defining moment when Mark finally had enough and went to rehab.

Connect with Mark Murray:

• Mark Murray LinkedIn 
• WHYSUP Website
• WHYSUP Facebook 
• WHYSUP Twitter
• WHYSUP Instagram
• WHYSUP Youtube
• WHYSUP Company LinkedIn

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