AVOID BEING AN ENABLER FOR A LOVED ONE’S GAMBLING ADDICTION
Friends and families of compulsive gamblers need to know how to recognize the problem so they don't fall victim of bailing out (financially rescuing) them. Do you you how to recognize a gambling problem and what to say to someone who asks for your financial help?
Compulsive Gambling (Escape) is a symptom of other psychological trauma. The majority of those who suffer from comulsive gambling later in life do so to escape or self-medicate for other life's problem.
Compulsive gambling is a progressive, diagnosable, treatable disease much like alcohol and drugs. It does not go away by itself. Someone with a gambling problem needs to become educated about the disease and get help. Read the following relevant articles, available on the ACCG web site (www.azccg.org) or by calling the ACCG office. If you still have doubts, call the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling for advice and referral.
LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO
Read all of the material in the TOP menu bar to help you make a decision about whether the person asking for help has a gambling problem. Especially note Types of Gamblers, and Male or Female Gamblers as it pertains to the person of concern. It is not unreasonable to ask the gambler to read the same material and formulate a plan for getting help.
In addition to reading materials, you might want to attend a CoDa meeting. Many family members benefit from Codependents Anonymous. It helps the family member love the person with the problem without trying to solve the problem for them
Meetings thrive throughout the nation, but especially in the Phoenix area since CoDa was founded in Phoenix. Meeting times and places are available on the Internet on the CoDa website or by calling 602-735-3060
