Problem Gambling - A Guide for Families (PDF) - ProblemGambling.ca
Problem Gambling - A Guide for Families (PDF) - ProblemGambling.ca
Problem Gambling - A Guide for Families (PDF) - ProblemGambling.ca
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4<br />
Moving toward Change<br />
How Can I Get the Person to Stop<br />
<strong>Gambling</strong><br />
Un<strong>for</strong>tunately, you <strong>ca</strong>n’t. People decide themselves whether<br />
or not to gamble. The person must be motivated to change. It<br />
is understandable that you might be very angry with the person<br />
who has the problem with gambling. However, if you threaten,<br />
bribe or punish the person, it <strong>ca</strong>n do more harm than good.<br />
This lack of control <strong>ca</strong>n be frustrating <strong>for</strong> families. But you<br />
<strong>ca</strong>n still play an important role in encouraging change. Most<br />
people with gambling problems get help be<strong>ca</strong>use gambling is<br />
hurting their family. Tell the person how his or her gambling<br />
affects you, and try to make some positive changes in your<br />
own life. This <strong>ca</strong>n help the person see that he or she <strong>ca</strong>n<br />
change, too.<br />
You may feel deeply angry or hurt. This <strong>ca</strong>n make it hard to<br />
support the person who has <strong>ca</strong>used you so much pain. Not all<br />
families <strong>ca</strong>n get over this problem. Counselling <strong>ca</strong>n help you<br />
sort through your own thoughts and feelings, and look at your<br />
options. This <strong>ca</strong>n be an important step in helping the family<br />
heal (see Chapter 5).<br />
23
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