Hi I hope someone has an answer to what we are going through if there even is one!. My Brother has a serious gambling problem, so much so that he has stolen money running into thousand's of pounds, cash, from my dads company, from my mum and other relatives. We have to lock everything away and cannot keep any cash in the house. We are now worried about jewellery and ornament's that we have around the house! We have tried the gambling blockers but he just hacks the passwords and changes them so we have to start all over again. He is in debt himself and has credit people calling the house 24/7 its getting too much to bare, I am scared for my mum and dad, he can be very violent and threatens to burn their house down. I just do not know what to do anymore, we have tried talking and listening but nothing seems to get through. He seems to think that the money that he takes from family members is his to be taken. My mum and dad are very soft and each event is forgotten within a couple of days but it is effecting me massively! I am scared that it will eventually lead to my parents having a breakdown/heat attack or stroke. My mum already has started suffering with dizziness and also has a breathing condition which is only going to get worse. I need some help or advice as this is not going to just go away.
Hello sister1984,
It sounds like your brother's behaviour has created feelings of anxiety and stress for you, and you're also worried about your mother's well-being.
If you are concerned that your brother may be violent towards you or your family members, you might like to call the National Domestic Violence freephone 0808 2000 247. That is a 24 hour helpline staffed by female advisers who could give you and your mother information and support to improve your safety.
http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/
You're also welcome to share our freephone 0808 8020 133 with everyone in your family. GamCare advisers can provide emotional support and helpful information for people who are affected by someone's gambling problem. GamCare's counselling appointment service is also available to family members.
Well done for voicing your concerns and acknowledging how your brother's problem is affecting you. You might like to continue reading and posting on the forum, and if you would like immediate emotional support then you can call us on 0808 8020 133 or on our Netline:
http://secure.gamcare.org.uk/netline/
Take care,
Adam.
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