Problem Gambling - A Guide for Families (PDF) - ProblemGambling.ca

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Families
stop or reduce gambling.
The best way to help is by being supportive but firm. Tell the
person that if he or she gets help, it is possible to change and
gain control. Let the person know that he or she doesn’t have
to be alone in dealing with this problem.
Some families feel they must pay the person’s gambling debts
to protect their reputation. They may want to help other family
members who have been hurt by the person’s actions. If
you pay off the person’s debts, you may send the message that
someone will bail the person out if he or she gets into trouble.
This sometimes leads the person to start gambling again.
If you do give financial help, insist that the person gets counselling
help too. If you make loans, tell the person he or she
must pay them back—even if it is only a small payment each
week. Many families have trouble doing this, and need help
from a trusted advisor or a counsellor. Beware of giving the
person money directly, because this can trigger more
gambling. (You can find more suggestions for dealing with
money problems on page 31.)
Your “tough love” can help make the person face the cost of
his or her gambling. For example:
• Have the person deal with his or her boss about missing work
or being late.
• Insist that the person does family chores.
• Do not lie to protect the person.
• Do not make excuses for the person’s gambling.
• Do not comfort the person about gambling losses or other
problems gambling has caused.
• Do not take the person to or from gambling venues.
• Do not gamble with the person.
In some cases, it may not be possible to carry out these suggestions
because doing so could result in the person harming
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