More needs to be done in the military to tackle the “unseen enemy” of gambling harm, according to a veteran whose own career was ruined by addiction.
With the Forces community statistically more vulnerable to the problem than civilian society, Andy Stoneley (ex-RLC) is lending his voice to a campaign calling for greater awareness and early intervention.
Having joined the Army in 1998, he began using slot machines before moving on to casinos and bookmakers – a compulsion that would eventually see the former soldier serve time at Colchester’s Military Corrective Training Centre.
After borrowing cash from colleagues to fund his habit, he was found guilty of dishonesty and obtaining money by fraudulent means, sentenced to more than 12 months detention and reduced in rank from warrant officer to corporal.
“I lost my liberty, my salary and my purpose as well as feeling a sense of embarrassment,” he said of the experience.
“That was my rock bottom, but after 383 days of, effectively, cold turkey, along with therapy, the cycle was broken.
“I have no temptation to gamble anymore. I never want to let myself or my family down again.”
Stoneley left the Army in 2022 and now works for the charity that supported him during his recovery – Breakeven – one of several organisations making up the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network.
He and other veterans also feature in a new video, The Unseen Enemy, produced by the Beacon Counselling Trust as part of its Battling the Odds programme, which aims to reduce stigma and make specialist support more accessible.
“It doesn’t matter what rank you are – problem gambling can affect anyone,” continued Stoneley.
“I was hit hard but I’m living proof that you can turn any negative into a positive. There’s life after addiction – if you speak to someone and get help you can overcome it.
“Everyone deserves a second chance.”
Speak to a friend or trusted colleague or your welfare team.
Alternatively, you can access free and confidential advice via [email protected]
To watch The Unseen Enemy on YouTube subscribe to the Beacon Counselling Trust via @BCTNorthWest
