Don't know what to do to help him more. We found out 4 months ago that our 21 year old son was gambling. Phone and roulette machines at bookies. He admitted he had a problem he couldn't control and started attending GA meetings. He had a small relapse 2 months ago but seemed to turn the corner. 2 weeks ago I took him to the doctors as I saw a dramatic change in him - even more lethargic, not taking care of his appearance, slacking at work, lieing about everything and he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety - a family trait unfortunately. Anyway, yesterday I found out he had had about 2000 from my bank account. He eventually admitted gambling after swearing on his life he wasn't. Today he told me he felt suicidal. We have been to doctors again. Since home he has changes his mobile number to stop texts from betting companies and loan companies - disgusting and I don't know how these people sleep at night - cancelled his bank card, phoned in sick and told his boss about mental health aspect, phoned ga sponsor and spent an hour on phone to a counsellor through a work programme. I don't know what else to do and feel sick for him. Trying to hold it together for my other two kids. I think I need to know if this is encouraging or do they all do this? Help please
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Hi I put a note on the forum this morning about our son who has a problem and has relapsed again last night he is depressed and is talking of suicide. He has been to gam care, he's been to a private counselling. He admits he needs help. We keep rescuing him but after last night we can' t do it this time as it involves other people.
I agree the betting comapnies need to be held accountable. He is a sporting individual and the TV is full of adverts, *** ***, ********* et al. Its a disgrace that they say they promote responsible betting no they don't they make massive profits and then sponsor agencies. That is not responsible.
In the meantime the people like our sons struggle.
Just realised the companies names have been edited. It was not a rant, I just feel so frustrated.
My son is desperate, the support for gamblers is not as significant as for other conditions.
We have a counsellor who my wife and I have have used to help us with strategies to help us cope. She has offered us the potential of having our son join us for a group session. He go first to see her to see if he can work with her. At this stage he wants to go ahead. We will see how it takes shape.
Just a mum I am the same as you. I cannot offer anything at this moment because I am in exactly the same position as you. I too feel lost as I can't help my son, he has to do it himself. Just know you are not on your own, there must be so many of us out there, it's just so hidden. Keep going xxxx
Ive put my first post above. I agree with the epetitions. Would it be lawful for me to put it on facebook, as I feel strongly about the negative effect gambling adverts have on, not just my son but other children as well.
I completely agree about your comments regarding advertising gambling, but also the irresponsible attitude of loan sharks! My partner managed to get one with nearly 2000% (!!!!) APR although he was already heavily in debt. It makes me feel sick to my stomach. There must be more regulatory legislation in this area!!!!
Hi all, just reading through these posts and makes me as a former gambler realise the pain I inflict on my family. I've found this website over the last few days and found it really therapeutic. Some fantastic people on here sharing their roads to recovery and success stories which is giving me the motivation I need to make a change. I really recommend you introducing the site to them. I read one story of a man that has been free from gambling for some time and it truly gave me the belief that life is worth living and there is a way out. Stay positive. People can and will recover from this disease and I have every faith your kids will too. They have taken the biggest step already and recognized the problem. Take care
Hi just a mum and everyoune on here I totally agree with the advertising it disgusting and like you justamum im desperate too and keep helping my son out time and time again thinking that next month will be better but never is, im sick with worry and would live to go to some sort off councelling on here but dont know how to work things on here as yet, but would like to chat with you as we all have same problem, its absolutely awful and im going to have a brake down if he dosent sort his self out very soon, he has agreed to come on here since his last bet cus I told him I will never be there for him again if he dident but im just hope and pray its going to help him,my son has also had suicide thoughts he niw under his doc and he is in the army and just served in Afghanistan so thats not help but if you ever need to talk we can be thete for each and everyone of us
Hi Abigail
Sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing with your son. If you would like to find out about the counselling options GamCare offer, you can have a chat with one of our advisers on our freephone Helpline by calling 0808 802 0133. You can also talk online via the Netline here: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/net...
Best wishes
Forum Admin
so few understand what gambling addiction is really about
its an illness i wouldn't wish on my worst enemy
keep getting the help and try to keep talking
communication helps so much
tri
Thanks admin
I'm in the same boat, just don't know what I can do for my son and his gambling addiction anymore. Gambling has stolen my son and replaced him with lying dishonest manipulative person.
I'm broken with it all
Hi daniel12
I so feel your pain as I too have a 25 year old son who is a compulsive gambler. It is a brutal addiction that has you as a mom at your wits end trying to help and fix things. Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do. He needs to get to a place where he finally decides that he can't live this way and wants help ( their rock-bottom ). For a mom watching from the sidelines our rock-bottom seems to come a lot sooner! Giving money really doesn't help and just feeds the addiction. I joined Gam-Anon and have found it so helpful... you need to get well or you will be of no help to anybody! Take care of yourself and remember "you didn't cause this, you can't control it, and you can't cure it.
Hi Amom
I'm not sure if you read my original post. I've deleted it and shortened it. I felt like I was intruding a bit on someone else's thread! I've just gone on to read yours and it was like I'd written it for myself. I do hope your son is still keeping strong and free from gambling.
Oh I think it may have been someone else's I read. I'm new to this need to get the hang of it.
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