[Polly]

Has anyone had to deal with a close family member with a very,very bad gambling addiction? If so, what was your experience? Were they able to stop?

[idum5t]

No, they will continue to gamble. You can't stop them. Just let them go and get out of the way. You can't change someone who does not want to change. It is up to them. You can't do it for them.

[5brats]

I haven't had it happen but i know it can be hard they have to stop give them reasons to it might help them know they had to stop

-Sammy babe

[Laughing Man Copycat]

She hasn't stopped yet. I don't know what to do. Sorry I can't be of more help. My prayers are with you.

[roeroe47me]

Gambling, alcoholism, drugs, they're all addictions spurred on by a lack of something like self esteem, self worth, childhood trauma or by being born with an addictive personality! I believe that it runs in families. Haven't you ever know a family with more than one out of control drinker and the like? IT IS NOT IN THEIR CONTROL after they've been doing it for a long time. First you control it, then it controls you. Gambling is one addiction we don't hear about very much so I believe maybe that's why there may not be as many resources except Gamblers Anonymous. You might want to do some research into recovery type assistance and tell the person what you found, that you love or care about them (that's why you took the time to research!) and that you'll be there for them when they get "sick n tired of being sick n tired"...enough to quit. Anyone can recover but they have to WANT to before anything. Good luck. If you need anything else, email me, k? Tink

[Bert R]

A gambling addiction is very serious. It is imperative for them to seek out help and go to gamblers anonymous meetings to meet others like them. There is also meeting for you to if you are hurt by this to be able to cope better. Good luck.

[123456]

Does matching for Nickles in the boys bathroom in the 8Th grade count?

[Quinn]

I once went to Gamblers Anonymous because my boyfriend was gambling.
The recovering gamblers told me that if he was "just an alcoholic" I would be better off. Gamblers will lie and lie and lie. You cannot trust a compulsive gambler.
They need to get help.

I once lived across the river from the Iowa casinos. People have left their kids in the hot car out in the parking lot and they have died while their parents were inside gambling.

[Johnny B Goode]

I went to Gamblers Anon,,,I bet you a thousand bucks they can cure you too !

[Amber B]

a close friend is addicted , and the battle to not gamble is on going ,hard as she tries, the urge to play those porkies could erupt any time .