How do i stop my husband from gambling?

Question

My husband is driving me crazy with his non stop gambling addiction, every time he hears we have a dime he has to take it to the casino and spend it. when i tell him we are broke he starts a rampage tearing things apart looking for money. what should i do to help him stop? he wont even think about calling a 1-800 number or even go to counseling, I'm so lost.

Answer 1

Call gamblers anonymous! And for god's sake, hide all the money!!!!!! If that doesn't work, then divorce his a??!!

Answer 2

My husband is in the same boat but has not gotten to the point that your husband has. I keep telling my spouse that he is addicted to it but he is still in denial about it. However since he hasn't hit the point of no return yet I do believe since I tell him he's addicted every time he does gamble it keeps him in check, sort of a reminder to say keep it under control. You need to talk to him about it. Suggest counseling if he wants to save your marriage. Until you decide how exactly you are going to deal with this problem I suggest opening another account and only put in his weekly spending and gas money in your joint account. Hide the check books, bank statements,etc, and anything of personal value. The best place would be in a safety security box that way you don't have to worry about him snooping around the house looking for it. This way you'll know the bill money will still be there. If he asks where all the money went tell him it went on all the bills. Don't be surprised if belonging start to disappear. Once his money supply is cut off he'll probably start selling belongings to support his addiction. Gambling addiction is no different from a drug addiction. It's a compulsion to get that "high" and the willingness to do anything to do it even if it means hurting the ones you love.

Answer 3

The real truth is, you cannot help your husband. Your husband has a disorder related to addiction and/or alcoholism. It is a disorder of the mind and the spirit, it is sometimes called an obsessive compulsive disorder. Your husband has no control to stop his gambling, even if he wanted too. Most gambling addicts, not unlike alcoholics and drug addicts will pursue their drug / behavior of choice until they have alienated everyone and everything that is close to them. The obsession of the mind drives the need to pursue the drug (gambling) and the compulsion allows him, sadly to say, no control to resist his destructive behavior.
With that said, you can probably be of more help to him and to yourself by getting help for yourself, that is to say, seek out other people who have loved ones or significant others who are compulsive gamblers or even drug addicts or alcoholics. Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-anon (Families in Recovery) are excellent resources for the support and healing your family needs. Keep an open mind and remember that you cannot cure or control anyones behavior but your own. Good luck
P.S. I am 7 years into the recovery process, it took 15 years to get here. Peace and Love

Answer 4

My heart truly aches for you. There is nothing you
can do.

You have to give him tough love.
Give him an ultimatum. Tell him you will leave and
seek a divorce if he does not stop gambling.

You have to mean what you say. If he doesn't stop
then you have to end the marriage before he ruins
your credit, your health, and your life. He may go
on one of his rampages and hurt YOU.

Talk to someone to help you through this crisis -
a priest, pastor, conselor, etc.
Prayer also helps.
Stay calm and focused and take care of you. Do
not allow this situation to drag you down, too.

Take care and God bless you.

Answer 5

I would leave him or at least leave the house for a few weeks. It seems to me he's not going to get help until he hits rock bottom (just like a drug addict) Once he realizes he has nothing left, hopefully he'll understand what he needs to do. If some of this money is yours, make sure your checks arn't going directly into the bank or to him. Good luck.

Answer 6

The first thing to do is realize that you cannot save him! He has an addiction...just as bad as drugs. The best thing you can do is to realize that not only does he have a gambling problem, he is violent and dangerous. You need to save yourself! What will you do when he goes to jail for assault, theft or sells everything for the fix. To a gambler, it doesn't matter if he wins or loses, the high is the same. Save yourself! Please contact the following organization for help!!!

Answer 7

Its like a drug addiction, you cannot stop it. He will not stop until he is tired of suffering the consequences. What you need to do is decide if you want to put up with his behavior or leave. If he is "rampaging" then I would suggest that you get out before he turns his rage against you.

Answer 8

Call the 800 number yourself and ask them what to do, they are professionals that deal with this. I wish you all the best. If he doesn't seek help and the violent outbursts continue, for your safety, I'd leave. Tell him if he gets the help he needs you will be back, but you cannot and will not live this way.

Answer 9

Gambling is an addiction and he will not quit until he receives counseling and goes to GA. Getting him to receive counseling and going to GA is very hard.

Answer 10

If you have a relationship with the Lord, now is the time to pray, pray, pray for your husband. Even if you are a seeker, please speak to someone at a local church for guidance. Now is the time to meet your savior. He really will be there to pull you through. I speak from personal experience, as my husband has been addicted to drugs, internet poker, etc.

Answer 11

I think that you need to try to get him help but like any addict he will not be ready until he has hit rock bottom and if that means you leaving him and letting him deal with it on his own that is just what you have to do its called "tough love" they will really he has a problem any either decide to get help or to just go down.

good luck honey remember though love i know it hurts.