Hi how do other parents cope with their son's gambling problem. Ongoing for at least 6 years, he is nasty, verbally abusive. He has had help (private counselling - this made the situation worse.) He has this last week registered for gam care counselling, so that's positive.) He had so many debts, that he now has an IVA (one year.) Wants to move out but can't afford. It's the lies and deceit that causes the most problems with his dad.)
Hi Julie93,
I am concerned to hear that your son has been verbally abusive. As well as the peer support here on the Forum you may also wish to attend a peer support group for friends and family of people with problem gambling at www.gamanon.org.uk (they have a list of where your nearest meeting will be). You can also call us on the Helpline for more one-to-one advice on 0808 8020 133 and free one-to-one counselling is available to yourself.
Best Wishes
Forum Admin
Hi Julie find a gamanon meeting near you, it's worth travelling to if you can. There are many parents at the meeting I attend. You need to detach from your son and his gambling. His behaviour is unacceptable. Don't pay his debts, try not to enter into arguments. Find out about compulsive gambling and how it affects the gambler and everyone around them. He's in the grip of addiction and will blame you and anyone else who stands in his way. Mood swings, erratic behaviour, secrecy, lying, all classic behaviour and sign of addiction. This will not be fixed overnight and if you don't seek help will continue and could get worse. Compulsive gambling can be arrested if the gambler chooses to stop but they will always be a compulsive gambler, never cured. For things to get better you need to change your behaviour too.
Hi, thanks for your comments. To an outsider he is very charming. Behind closed doors a different story. He might have to wait a few months for counselling but he did stop gambling for a while. I can always tell when he is in crisis. He started again around the football World Cup. Says he hasn't gambled since but ..... who knows. Too many gambling ads too. I'll keep logging into the forum. It does help a little to know we're not alone with this nightmare.
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