My mom has a serious gambling problem, and she's not a very happy person overall. I think a lot of people get annoyed by her. However, she is my mom, and I'm afraid she is going to blow all her money and end up with nothing. She spent her 2nd mortgage money and now is starting to draw from her retirement.
How do I get help for her? Where do I start? I live about 8 hours away, so I'm not very close. I work for a living, but I just started a new job, so I don't have that much money to spend. My mom has started to ask my sister for money.
I really want to tackle her REAL problem which is gambling...not money. Anyone gone through this? I want my mom to get better!
2007-07-23 15:29:32 · 9 answers · asked by Skytide 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
My mom is single too, and has been after she divorced my dad when I was still a baby. She doesn't really have anyone close to her and she always thinks that her children are a disappointment (for some odd reason). When I visit her in public places, she is actually not very pleasant to be around...so I usually talk to people for her...It's almost like she pisses everyone off because she can't be patient.
I almost feel like gambling is the only thing she has right now.
I know she has to make different choices and it's obvious that she's where she is because she doesn't do anything but work, gamble, and party...it's just sad. Whenever I talk to her she has nothing to talk about, and our conversations just sound really fake.
She knows she has a problem, but I think she has nothing better to do, or is too lazy to do anything else but gamble her money away.
2007-07-23 16:11:42 · update #1
You need to get all of your immediate family together and talk to an intervenionist. Have a family intervention and tell her why her gambling problem is affecting each and every one of you and then tell her she needs to get help or you are not going to put up with it anymore and if that means having her out of your life then so be it... and be true to your words.. its for her own good.. if she really loves you guys she will come to her senses and get help. Good luck..
2007-07-23 15:35:45 · answer #1 · answered by meeeeeeeee2681 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Skytide I live in Ontario Canada. Like your mom I was guilty of spending more than I had at Casino's and finally came to realize it after spending 36 hours straight there and leaving once again with empty pockets. It is smart that you are able to recognize it as a problem and not take your mom's inventory for her ways. Personally I had myself self excluded from all Casino's in our province and if I am found in one will be charged for trespassing and fined $500 as well as gain a criminal record (although minor offense). If you and your sister can try and talk sensably with your mom and help her see what she is doing then all the more power to you. Perhaps there are other issues that are creating this feeling of emptyness in her, loneliness - fear of leaving you nothing when she dies,etc. Let her know that you both are there to support her but just not financially. I do know that some places offer self help groups for gamblers, Gambler's Anonymous, so she may be interested in checking this out. Also depending on where you live a lot of time the government sponsors hotlines or has information available for problem gamers. You could always contact the government and they may have info for family members also. All I can suggest is that you continue to support your mom but do not allow her to con either you or your sister into helping feed her habit. Best of luck (no pun intended) to you, your mom and sister in overcoming this addiction.
2007-07-23 15:40:20 · answer #2 · answered by crazylegs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, that is scary. I can't believe the number of people that are into gambling. I think someone should sue the government as they encourage this and get huge cuts.
They are creating a nation of fools who blow all their money chasing a pipe dream.
Seems all the old folks are into it too.
Get your mom to Gamblers Anonymous...you go by yourself if she won't go and you may need to get an intervention going but they will help you form one if that is what it takes.
Don't wait or your mom will be in ruins.
2007-07-23 15:34:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The question is not whether you want her to get better and stop gambling, but does she want to stop gambling. Until she realizes it is beginning to destroy her life and her relationships, not much will change.
Check out Gambler's Anonymous for her and Gam Anon for you.
And don't give her money (even if she is your mom). Why should she stop gambling when there is someone around who will help pay the bills?
Gam Anon really does help.
2007-07-23 17:13:33 · answer #4 · answered by h2ochild 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family has had problems with an aunt with a gambling problem who gambled away and spent the funeral money for my grandparents.
there are hotlines you can call to get information on helping them with a gambling problem. The best thing you can do at the moment is make sure that your sister doesn't give her the money. The only way you can help your mom effectively is to make her realise that she has a problem. that way she can help herself
2007-07-23 15:39:29 · answer #5 · answered by gottaluvme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, i guess we do have something in common. My mom also dealing the same problem. Me and my family seems desperate to find a solution for her. The only thing can stop her is the time when she can't get any money to waste anymore. but it may cause her stress deeply, but i guess some people has to "break down deep" to stop their bad habit (tough huh?) And secondly she need someone she love most to make her forgot about the gambling things, but it causes her "stupid duppy brain deep in love" (what to do..!!!)
2007-07-23 15:41:35 · answer #6 · answered by EJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the most appropriate relative to go help her. Someone that's really close to her and someone with the resources and distance. Get them to help her. Because this isn't an average problem, gambling problems are serious stuff. What's your dad doing anyway?
2007-07-23 15:37:53 · answer #7 · answered by centreofclassicrock 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey there,
My name is Caroline and I work for NBC's The Steve Wilkos Show. We were created to try and help people with their problems. This gambling addiction that your Mom has is something we can help you with on our show. We will fly out everyone to Chicago, and have Steve and yourself confront your Mom about this issue. We can also provide counseling here and in your hometown to whomever needs it. Please call me toll free 877-836-3405 as soon as possible and we will get your mom the help she needs!
2007-07-23 15:39:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is hard to even think of that a book can assist individuals to change their fates but } thousands of guys and women, individuals that they have benefitted in a big
2016-05-18 20:37:42 · answer #9 · answered by Mia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let your sister give her money. call gamblers anonymous. Beg her to get help.
But... she has to want to stop herself. there is not much you can do until she admits her problem. but keep bugging her.
2007-07-23 15:34:10 · answer #10 · answered by just me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋