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When today's Mad World guest first sought help, she didn't even realise she was a gambling addict. But within a few years Hayley had lost her job, her home, and she had arrived at a rehab centre with a small suitcase containing all of her possessions.

This Addiction Awareness Week, Bryony has teamed up with Action on Addiction and the Forward Trust to bring you a conversation each day tackling a different element of addiction. Because even though we are slowly breaking down the stigma around discussing mental health, addiction - sadly - remains a taboo, even though we will all know someone touched by it.

Hayley tells Bryony how betting was actually a substitute for alcohol, describes the relief of speaking to others dealing with the illness, and lays bare the hurdles she had to clear to even get help.


Action on Addiction is a UK charity providing support to people who need rehab, as well as a wealth of resources for those battling addiction issues: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk |

You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode.


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You can find more information about organisations that offer free and confidential support at the end of this episode.

Read more from Bryony Gordon: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/bryony-gordon/

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