My 20 year old son is a compulsive gambler (mostly online) and he also suffers from depression. He was once an awesome kid with such potential, and he has thrown it all away. We are at a loss as to what to do with him... he knows he has a problem, but he won't get help. He is refusing to get counseling. He is on medication for depression and I have to give it to him daily, or he would likely not take it. He constantly lies to us. He flaunts our house rules. Yet, we cannot throw him out of the house right now, because we are afraid he might turn to suicide (he's done that before). I am not sure how to support someone who doesn't seem to want to help themselves. Anyone else out there in this situation???
KarenC
You need to start attending a Gam-Anon meeting REGULARLY - at least once a week. There you will find many people who understand and can tell you how they handled similar situations. This may be a case where you have to love him enough to show some tough love. That will take time for you to understand and support from others who have walked the walk. As long as your son can depend on you to take care of him, give him his medication, and provide for him, the longer he will stay in his addiction so even though it seems like these are loving actions, they are actually keeping him from facing his addiction. The only thing that drives an addict to get help is when they are sick and tired of being sick and tired, In other words things probably have to get worse before he is willing to admit his problem and get help. The good news that once he has reached a bottom, there is great help and HOPE in Gamblers Anonymous. I am praying for you and hoping you go to Gam-Anon which is the support group for families and friends of compulsive gamblers.
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