My son is 26 and has been gambling compulsively since he was about 19. It has taken both he and the rest of my family (husband, older son and younger daughter) to hell and back. It is a relentless addiction that can take anybody in its path down with it. I do feel devastated that the powers that be bestowed this addiction on my son but at the same time we soon realize that the sympathy route goes nowhere fast! The addiction is just waiting for that little opening to bury itself back in to his life. This really is up to them to sort out but it is so painful having to watch your child struggle. I too am like you … will this ever end?
We are in Canada. I go to Gam Anon once a week. In our city there is only 1 Gam Anon. I would love to do the chats on here with Velvet et al but the time difference makes it impossible:(.
My son has been going to GA for about 1 1/2 years and it really has helped I think. He is comfortable there and hopefully can be honest. He does still relapse and I feel like I am brought right back to Day 1 after this. Recovery – both ours and theirs – is a hell of a lot of work!
He was living with a friend but this friend had to move for work and my son couldn’t afford the rent on his own so he has been back for 2 months. I can be his worst enabler (which is something I really work on ) by feeling sorry for him and while never giving him money let him live rent free to help him use his earnings to pay off debt. This never works!
I could go on and on as I have been very frustrated lately (obviously by the ranting on my post!).
Try a Gam Anon meeting and if the timing works for you a chat meeting… talking and writing help to give you the support you need!
Cathy
