How to help a gambler?

[SeptemberNum]

My co-worker recently told me about her husband doing more gambling stuff. She said that their savings were already used by him and his online gambling activities are already out-of-control. I know that this is a serious problem. What are the available help out there that I can suggest to my friend?

[-:Undertaker:-]

To have separate finances - because otherwise he *will* take her down with him.

As for him, as with any 'addiction' the only person who can help is the addict themselves. He's got to want to stop himself gambling and that's probably only going to happen when he's bankrupted himself. His wife can only try to insulate herself or give him the ultimatum that either the gambling stops and she takes control of the finances or the marriage is over.

[SeptemberNum]

To have separate finances - because otherwise he *will* take her down with him.

As for him, as with any 'addiction' the only person who can help is the addict themselves. He's got to want to stop himself gambling and that's probably only going to happen when he's bankrupted himself. His wife can only try to insulate herself or give him the ultimatum that either the gambling stops and she takes control of the finances or the marriage is over.

I know. I understand your suggestion. But she is also thinking about her children. This is very upsetting. They are both my friends and seeing them like this is so depressing. I stumbled upon this site - https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/how-can-insight-therapy-help-me/

And they have this article that can somehow help ganbling addiction. Do you think this is effective?

[Neversoft]

I saw a documentary on gambling addiction once, and it's a very serious problem. One man's wife left and took their children away from him because of his gambling problem, and then he turned to alcohol, too. He seemed so sad and defeated on the programme, and felt like he now had to gamble because it was all he had left. It was heartbreaking. My advice to you would be to seek guidance elsewhere, since most people here probably aren't even old enough to gamble, let alone have experience with addiction. There's a whole subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/problemgambling/) dedicated to this, and the responses here (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/6j7dt2/casino_workers_of_reddit_what_is_the_saddest/) touch upon addiction, and may help you form your own personal plea or advice for your friend's husband.

[lawrawrrr]

I would 100% advise her to put at least some finances aside or her children and her will end up suffering and in dire needs :( It is horrible and difficult dealing with an addict especially if they don't know they have a problem.

There is a UK organisation for this which will support families involved as well: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/ - they have loads of resources for those involved.

I hope your friend is OK. :)