I have shared a little of my story on the new members intro forum but here is some more. My 27 year old son commited suicide because of his hidden gambling addiction two days after we came back from holiday with him. There was never any signs of a problem and on the holiday he was his normal funny self. We got home in the early hours of Friday morning and said goodbye to him. On the Saturday we spoke on the phone to him then on the Sunday he went out for a drink, spent all his wages in the betting shop then went home,took the washing line down and hanged himself.
Hello, Jack,
I'm so very sorry to hear of your son's death.
It's a horrific addiction, they get sucked in to gambling and it wrecks and destroys lives. And they seem to be able to cover it up for far too long, I didn't have a clue for years. But ultimately, it is only the gambler who can choose his or her destiny, no matter what the spouse or family do, or say, or don't do, or don't say. Please don't make it worse for yourself by thinking that you could have done "something", you couldn't. It might help to read this part of the forum, you'll see that it's a common theme, a constant frustration, that we can't "make them stop".
Thinking of you,
CW
Hello Jack
I am very sorry to hear of your son's death, you and your family have my deepest sympathy.
I have a 20 year old son who is compulsive gambler so I know you have only done your very best for him and how hard it is to watch someone you love get taken over by this awful addiction.
I hate all the adverts for gambling and that its seen to be something fun in many peoples eyes and that the addiction is taken any less serious than any other addiction. Thank you starting this petition, I have asked Admin to forward you my details and I would be more than happy to sign it.
AS
Hello Jack,
So sorry to hear about your son. It's terrible news.
I recently told my parents and partner about my addiction they had no clue what so ever and where so very shocked. My parents tried to blame themselves but it's not their fault in anyway I'm mid 20's and have been making my own decisions with money since I started working at 15. Throughout my gambling I found I'm a terrible gambler but a fantastic liar. I'd managed to hide ridiculous amounts of money without anyone knowing even whilst living under my parents roof and now with my partner.
I agree with AS I hate the adverts I'm more than happy to also sign a petition.
random
Hello Jack
Gambling addiction does kill. Its not a popular thought. Certainly one many like to keep hidden - especially the bookies and gambling establishments. They very much try to push 'when the fun stops stop'. Fun? Not sure it ever was 'fun' for me.
Really sorry Jack. I hope this stops the pointless deaths but sadly i think gambling addiction is getting its talons too deep into society and politicians alike.
Tri
I am so very sorry this has happenned to your son your heart must be breaking. I have just found out my 25 year old son is a compulsive gambler who is not willing to admit at the moment. My biggest fear is for him is the nightmare of your reality.
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