I’ve already started a thread but I really don’t know what to do....
To summarise my Dad has been a gambler for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory was going into a betting shop with him on my pushchair!
I witnessed the strain his addiction chased between my parents and yet he continued time and time again. My mum took out a loan years ago to clear his gambling debt. Big mistake!! I think they call this enabling. The loan is now cleared but he has AGAIN racked up gambling debt.
My sister is a couple of years younger than I am. Her problem started before mine. She’s also gotten herself into debt and had to take out a loan. She *tried* therapy and quit because she was *cured*.... definitely not the case. A family member has offered to lend her money to clear one of her debts. Again enabling...
Neither my sister of Dad want to quit. I really HATE I’ve become a gambler and want to STOP completely.
I’ve handed over my finances to my mother and signed up to Gamstop. I’ve printed the self help leaflets off this website and enquired about starting some therapy. Despite this I’m not better than my sister or Dad because I’ve financially bailed them both out. They manipulate and I feel guilty and give in. I’m really worried I won’t manage the urges when both my close relatives are in
This position too...
Hi there,
Thank you for joining us and thank you for posting!
It really is difficult for you to make changes while other family members don't. It shows a lot of courage that you are proactive about stopping, that you signed up to gamstop and that you asked your mum to support you by looking after your money.
Maye you would find it helpful to contact us directly on the HelpLine on 0808 80 20 133 or the Netline https://www.gamcare.org.uk/frontline-services/netline . Both services are open from 8 am to midnight every day.
An adviser could talk you through other practical steps you can take as well as discuss counselling option and other means of support.
Welcome again!
Kind wishes
Gabriele
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