Hello
My partner has a gambling addiction (online). He admits it and wants to overcome it. So far he's agreed to and actioned, giving up smart phone for a basic phone to help manage any impulsive urges, and installed software on devices to try prevent accessing anything online. He's allowed me to look at his online banking and said I can check it whenever I ask.
He's agreed to but not yet actioned, counselling/CBT, contacting bank and phone company to ask for blocks to be put on (did previously put the block on his bank account but was able to reverse this himself with a 48 wait).
He doesn't want his family knowing which I think would be a good step forward but I have to respect his decision.
I don't want him to feel to overwhelmed so I'm giving a bit of time before broaching the other things to action but don't want to let things go off the boil as once complacency sets in it'll be even harder. I sense he is feeling stressed by a lot of things at the moment and obviously gambling was a stress release previously so I'm consciously looking at ways to help him whilst the urges must be strong and he's feeling the pressure. He's acting preoccupied, distant and irritable at times which is understandable.
Can anyone relate/advise on how to proceed?
(He's signed up to all the usual, gamstop etc).
I’d suggest Gamblers Anonymous where he can be around like minded people who understand him, his behaviour and actions, and what he’s going through.
The fact he has your support is great but there’s nothing like talking to someone else who shares the addiction without fear of judgement.
Chris.
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