Miro's story

Miro had a nice job which he enjoyed. Miro also had a secret. It was gambling. And it was something that was way beyond his control.

- I went mental. I did not realise how bad things had got before I lost everything. My money, my girlfriend, my job.

- I was very keen on games and gambling already at school. I always thought eventually the jackpot would come my way. Finally, when my girlfriend chucked me out I realised I needed to find a way out of gambling and get some help, tells Miro.

Kalle's story

First I started to play games just to kill time. With my friends we played playstation at weekends.
After some time I heard about new roleplaying games which you could play in internet. I got so excited!
I installed one right away I played it every day. Great adventures every day and I met plenty of
new friends.

In time I noticed how my other hobbies and even friends began to fade away. I didn't have time to play football with my friends or go to house parties. Playing that internet game became all I did.

One morning my internet connection was cut out. I couldn't play my favorite game! I was so furious as I had already called work and told I was sick. Instead of playing I tried to call my friends but couldn't catch any except one who said he had to work. It seemed no one had time for me.

The reality hit me in the face. I went to look myself in mirror and saw some overweight person who wasn't me. I wondered what had happened. I looked someone quite different than I remembered. Going through my life I noticed how much time I had spent playing all those games without having had a chance to live at all! I decided it was time to do something about it right away!

Two weeks have now passed. I hit keyboard frustrated and angry. I couldn't stop playing even if I wanted. I was depressed. I couldn't do anything I should have done. I had my final warning from work. My dirty laundry and stinking dishes were glaring at me everywhere I went. I finally understood I really needed to seek help...