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Son is addicted
#1
Help, I have today found out that my son is a compulsive gambler!

He is 18 years old and in the last month has gambled using an online casino.

He asked if he could use my bank card , which I gave him, and today I received my bank statement and in one day he deposited hundreds. When my bank account ran out, he did the same to both of my daughters.

He obviously has a problem and needs specialised help.

I've asked him to go to GA, and offered to go with him as has my daughter, but he is insistent that he can quit by himself.

His bedroom is littered with scratchcards and lottery slips.

I just don't know what else to do to help him!!
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#2
Hi Maggot

I am a CG.

Hopefully your son was just having a "brain fade" and is not going down this path.

BUT, just to be on the safe side, please ensure he cannot access any of your or your daughters accounts.
He probably feels very embarassed about this. As he should. <!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarrassed" /><!-- s:oops: --> BUT, don't push him too hard.
Certainly offer suggestions as to where he can get help, eg GA, GAMCARE etc. but don't force it down his throat. If you push too hard he will reject the offer of help. All gamblers are selfish people, and we want to do what we want, when we want to do it. We are children really. <!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarrassed" /><!-- s:oops: -->
That applied to me also 1 year ago. I am 52 years old by the way.

He might be one of the lucky ones. Just having a "binge". Keep monitoring him. If he is continuously short of money, then you will know that he does have a problem. That is when you might have to try and be a bit more forceful with him. Tell him the facts of life etc...
If he does not believe where this addiction can lead, sit him down in front of a computer and have him read a few of the stories on this site and others..eg GAMCARE.

Take care & best wishes
Roy
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#3
Hi, what you need to do immediatley is remove all access to any cash that you have in the house - do not leave your purse or any money or cards laying around. You also need to tell your daughters to do the same. If he is not admitting that he has a problem there is nothing you can do. Eventually, hopefully he will reach his rock bottom and then seek help.
Sorry if my advice does not sound too positive but that is just the facts.
regards
Helen
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