so...my brother has a gambling problem which he will openly admit to having, it has went on for many years now. he has attended GA meetings but said the are not helpful to him! his addiction has lost him his long term relationship, left her in debt which my parents feel they need to pay back, and also left my parents in debt from trying to bail him out from overdrafts and pay day loans (why are these things not illegal?!) we have tried to take control of his bank accounts etc but he is still able to open a bank account and get an overdraft of 1000 which he obviously just spent right away, surely the bank should know by his account history that he struggles with money! I believe he is depressed as a result of this, he is very withdrawn and often reluctant to talk, however I have persuaded him to visit his GP in the hope that they can point him in the right direction, only to be told there is nothing they can do to help! I don't know where to turn to, this boy needs help!!
Rosie
Welcome to the forum and thank you for sharing your story , myself a compulsive gambler for 26 years and now 2and half years into recovery , with this I can tell you there is help for your brother
I applaud you for you and your family trying to help so much and share your disappointment and frustration , the brutal truth though is your brother has to admit his problem and seek help for himself and really want to stop gambling , it looks like your brother has not reached this point yet , sometimes we have to hit rock bottom myself i wasn't quite there but it was enough to know I was going down a slippery slope with no way back
As you can see gambling will take everything and your brother has lost so much already , I am surprised with the doctors as counselling should have been offered , gamcare offer this service if your brother is willing to try also get him to speak to an advisor they are well trained and can really help , at least ask him to read this forum and see how he is not alone battling this awful addiction , he will be inspired by so many others in a similar position
All you can do is try to help but he has to help himself , financially helping him is the worst thing you can do your only funding his habit by all means buy him food or pay bills but don't give cash , as compulsive gamblers we can be the best of liars which I am sure you will have seen
I really hope somehow he can admit his problem and take the 1st steps to recovery , yes it is a long hard journey and mistakes will be made , the key is to keep trying and never give up
I wish your brother all the best and thank you again for posting
Castle2
thank you for taking time to respond! its great to know we are not the only family going through this!
he will admit he has a problem...but I don't think he quite believes it.
I was very disappointed in the advice from the GP but i'm now wondering if this is the truth or again another lie? who knows!!
anyway I have been looking into private counselling, of course I will have to have him agree to this! I will defo take your advice!
thanx again for taking the time to reply and being honest, it means a lot!
Rosie
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