Hi Anni,
I’m so sorry to hear your son is causing such trauma for you and your family. I have a son who created havoc in our home to the point where he abused us verbally and acted out whenever things weren’t going HIS way or when he felt people (me , usually) “were pushing his buttons”. His behaviour was not related to gambling but the hurt was similar to your’s in many ways. As you described, it was “ALL ABOUT HIM”. It became so tiring, I just could not stick it any longer . It was affecting my health, family relationships and we were doing him no favour by condoning his nonsense. Eventually, I just had to “show him the door”. Nobody can tell you what action to take with your son Anni. I’m just writing, as a mother to empathize with you in this awful plight.
I also have some insight into the workings of a gambler’s mind. In the aftermath of gambling Life becomes scary as HELL. After all the chaos and disaster, reality finally hits and take it from me it is VERY painful.
As well as being a mother, I have the misfortune to be a Compulsive Gambler. Therefore I can see both sides of the problem.
You say you “support” your son.
Gamblers have a knack of abusing that support, Anni.
Time for Tough Love, maybe?
