I’m after some advice my partner and I are currently separated due to a recent relapse after 3 years of no gambling.
I wanted time apart to see how I felt about us and whether I could be with him. To even consider it I’d want to see a commitment to him changing.
We’ve just had a disagreement over why people (he) gambles.
I believe with all addictions, people are trying to escape/avoid something like a feeling.
He thinks people can just be addicted to gambling as it’s addictive.
It’s not about being right or wrong, I just want him to explore what’s causing him to gamble. He thinks he can stop by himself, which I think isn’t dealing with the actual driver of the problem.
Am I being narrow minded? I’m trying to understand his point of view but still protect myself.
Any advice is appreciated. ?
Hello LAnon,
You are entitled to your own ideas about addiction, and it sounds like you are curious about how others understand addiction. Reading forum members posts, you will see a range of ideas, some forum members describe their gambling as an illness, or a compulsion, or an addiction, or a habit, or an impulsive behaviour... some people feel it is something they inherited, others feel it is a random event that they got caught up in gambling, some people regard some gambling products as potentially addictive. Perhaps it feels important to you to figure out how others understand their gambling problem because you are keen to help your partner get to grips with his issue. It is understandable that you are hoping that he will reflect on his experience and perhaps use support for his recovery.
We are also here to help you reflect on your experience and how best to support you and how to reduce your risk of harm. Please feel welcome to call us at any time about your concerns.
Take care,
Adam.
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