Gambling addiction and family and friends

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by: Sarah Middleton
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Word Count: 371
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 Time: 1:42 AM
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You may be the person with the gambling addiction - the one who has wasted hours of their time and thousands of pounds on bets - but there is no doubt that problem gambling will also have affected your friends and family. Often those closest tot he addict are the first to notice and point out that something is wrong with their behaviour. This can lead to conflict if the addict does not want to face up to the fact that he or she has a problem. If you are the partner or a friend of someone you think may have a gambling problem, but they are refusing help, don't give up on them. Continue to offer your support as one day, they will realise they do have an addiction and will need your help even more.

Gambling addiction warning signs

There are a few warning signs that someone you know has become addicted to gambling. Have they suddenly become defensive about the amount of time or money they spend on their hobby? Are they secretive about how much money they have and the state of their finances in general? Have they asked to borrow money from you, suggesting they have managed to get themselves into debt through problem gambling?

Don't cover up the problem

The worst thing you can do is to try and cover up for them or lend them money to help them get out of trouble. If you do this, then they will not have learned the lesson that gambling can be damaging and will continue to deny that they have an addiction. It may seem harsh but stand your ground and refuse to offer any financial help unless they face facts and seek help for their gambling problem.

Seeking help for gambling addiction

If you are close to someone who has a gambling problem then you too may need some support and help while they undergo treatment or recover from their addiction. Gamblers Anonymous, one of the most famous organisations which helps gambling addicts, also run support groups for the family and friends of addicts called GamAnon. Here you can talk with other people who are helping addicts and provide support and encouragement to each other.

About the Author

If gambling addiction is having a negative affect on you or someone you know then it is best to seek the advice of a support network who can identify the causes of gambling addiction and help in the road to recovery.