It's a great question. Problem gambling among seniors is definitely on the rise. Seniors have time and money on their hands, and the influx of casinos across the country have made access to gambling much more convenient. Here's what you should know, along with some tips and resources that can help your mom if she does indeed have a problem. Boyfriend has an online poker problem › Add new comment my son By jane - Posted on December 31st, 2007. Tonight I was reading the posts on Paul's blog, and saw the gambling helper web address. It reminded me of how I met Paul-it was at the gh site. I posted here often, about my son, who is bets on sports.
It’s that time of year again, the Holiday Season.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably already begun to tell yourself, “This year it will be different!” The ghosts of past holiday horrors taunt you as you vow that this year you will succeed in having that picture perfect holiday you’ve always imagined. So you begin making those same promises to yourself that you’ve made every year before…
“This year I will serve the most scrumptious feast and take photos of my family gathered around the table like a Norman Rockwell painting.”
“This year I will not succumb to the commercialism, the tension, the last minute frantic spending, the irritation of disgruntled shoppers, nor the foolish notion that anyone is ever really as happy as they look seem on social media!”
“Because this year it will be different….”
Many have said those words about the holiday season, time and time again, only to discover like the rest of us that there really is no such thing as “perfect”.
In the same manner, many have promised themselves that “…this time I will control my gambling”, only to find themselves once again unable to walk away.
Just know that you are not alone.
No matter how hard you try, the Holidays can be a very stressful time, and stress can be a serious trigger for anyone with an addiction to gambling. Problem gamblers often use gambling to relieve stress and avoid uncomfortable feelings. Their gambling is more about emotion than money, yet the end result can be financial devastation.
For the husband, wife, mom or dad who loses it all, the emotional devastation can far outweigh the money, leading to serious depression and potentially even thoughts of suicide.
So, how can you identify a problem with gambling?
More importantly, what do you do about it?
Here are some of the warning signs of Problem Gambling:
For the Gambler:
For the Family:
The good news is that gambling addiction is a treatable disorder.
People can, and DO recover!
If you are facing the Holidays with the fear, guilt and pain caused by a gambling problem, give yourself and your family the most important gift of all: the Gift of Hope!
Call the Problem Gamblers Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Use the information and support that is freely offered, and this year it really can be different!