[FlowersInTheAttic]

Hello all,

My name is Sophie. A few months ago my partner admitted he is a gambling addict. He plays lottery and slot’s.

I am just reaching out for support and advice as I don’t understand the addiction, personally, I’ve dealt with many addictions, such as self harm. I was very close to becoming an alcohol and drug addict, I am currently addicted to energy drinks.

When my partner told me about his addiction, I didn’t shout, get mad or upset with him. I was supportive towards him, however, I did tell him I don’t understand the addiction or why/how people can get addicted to gambling.

I have gambled myself, but became bored very quickly, and walked away and just never bothered again.

My partner has lied about where he was, saying he was at home when in fact he was out gambling. He has only lied to me the once, and he told me later that day that he lied, and became tearful because he felt ashamed. Again I shown nothing but love and support for him.

So, on this note. What advice/information can you give me as I simply do not understand the addiction, and in eyes, if I am not educated enough to know these thing’s, then I’m useless in terms of trying to help him.

[charles]

Hello

Thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy friends and family forum. This forum will provide you with warmth and understanding from your peers.

Feel free to use the friends and family group, you’ll find the times for these if you click on the “Group times” box on our Home page

Read about the friends and Family Online Groups

Now that you have introduced yourself you’ll find that many of the people you meet here have already read your initial introduction and they’ll welcome you in like an old friend 🙂

If you’re the friend or family member of someone who is either in, or has been through, the GMA residential programme please take extra care to make sure that nothing you say in groups, or on our forums, inadvertently identifies that person. Even if your loved one isn’t connected with GMA, please don’t identify them either directly or indirectly just in case they decide to use the site themselves.

You’ll find a lot of advice on this site, some of which you’ll follow, some you won’t…but that’s ok because only you fully understand your situation and what’s best for you and the people you love. So, take the support you need and leave the advice you don’t because it all comes from a caring, nurturing place 🙂

We look forward to hearing all about you!

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[charles]

Hi Sophie, well done on looking for support. When it comes to your partner I would say that it is good that he recognises and admits that he has a problem. Now ask him what he is prepared to do about it. He has a lot of support available here, in the My Journal Forum and gamblers Groups, also at places like Gamblers Anonymous, counselling etc. There are also steps he can take – such as getting excluded from where ever it is he gambles, being accountable financially etc.

The important person here is you though – you can get a lot of support here. He can stop gambling, if he uses support, but whatever he does you can focus on YOU. Then you will be stronger moving forward, be better placed to make any tough decisions needed.

[Author]

Posts