Hello I'm new to the forum. I am worried about my adult son , 29 years old. He has been gambling for about 3 years as far as I know . Recently it's got worse.He's lost a lot of money and has nothing to fall back on. He has always been honest with me and he's tried to stop but I can see that he needs professional help , though I don't know if he's admitted that to himself yet. I phoned the society in my area which professionally deals with addiction and made an appointment with them, without telling him. I have given him the phone number but he hasn't paid any attention. Basically they told me that I should tell him that I went there and that I will join their group sessions and tell him that I want him to call and make an appointment. I am afraid of his reaction to this- afraid that he'll stop confiding in me or be angry that I went there behind his back, because I don't know if he's ready . If I am going to go to these sessions , I know I must tell him.Â
Has anyone had this problem?
Don't be afrid of going behind his back , you obviously care to go the Lengths you are to try and help him.It sadly goes back to the age old saying, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.I wish you well.He has to own his problem not you he must face the addiction using his own effort not yours. No problem helping him but he has to take resonsibilty for his actions.Its not anyone elses fault he is addicted to Gambling.He has to own his problem.best wishes
Thank you for your support . I understand that he must take responsibility and do this by himself but i  am just afraid that it’ll put a strain on our relationship if he doesn’t trust me .
Hello again. Just wanted to add that he didn't seem offended by the suggestion. He hasn't agreed to call yet but at least he wasn't negative about the suggestion. Now he has the number available. I'm aware there's a long road ahead
Dear k31Â
Thank you for sharing your story on our forum. I hope you find it helpful to get support from others on here that understand. I can hear how concerned you are about your son. It is positive that he has not been negative to the suggestion of accessing some support. I don't know where you are posting from but if you are based in Great Britain then you can contact our helpline on 0808 8020 133 anytime (we are here 24/7) to get advice or access further support for yourself.Â
Take care
Rachel (Forum Admin)
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