How important is it to tell family and friends? Is it ok to battle this alone, as it is you that has to deal with it. Wouldn't telling family and friends the truth just make the problem worse?
Hi jamejame. It is the best thing to do. Then you can start getting help and support. It stops the lying, makes you accountable. This is only if the gambler actually wants to stop. Keeping things secret helps the gambler continue the cycle of deceit.
More people know about my addiction now than have ever known before. I'm not hiding anymore and it's helped me reach 374 days gamble free. It's also stopped the deceitful behaviour. It's caused a lot of hurt to my loved ones but at least our relationships are more open and meaningful now. Selfishly it's the best thing I've done and after twenty years of addiction that's a big statement. My wife has been really hurt by my actions and still is but at least she has stopped thinking she is going mad and at least she know she she must look after herself first and foremost know. We continue to work on our marriage and relationship, it's not easy, one year on I still don't know if one of the consequences of my choices will be the end of the marriage but I still have a chance.
Own the addiction, face it head on, accept the consequences and give yourself a chance at life
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