Need Help (Houston, Vega: casinos, live, shop)

[cheryjohns]

I am at a loss. I don't know what to do or what to advise. A friend evidently has had a bad gambling problem for a few months. She has spent thousands on gambling rooms in the last 4 months. I don't know what to tell her without sounding preachy. Is there a place to get help? She is a great person - and I really want to help. I feel that I am over-whelmed in my ability to help.

[NTT]

There's a hotline that you can call and ask fo advice and/or how to talk to your friend.

"...for advice or a treatment referral, call the National Council on Problem Gambling’s confidential hotline at 1-800-522-4700."

The above was taken from this article: Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Signs, Help, and Treatment

Best wishes.

[elnina]

What does she need? A treatment for her addiction or financial help?

[elnina]

Treatment:
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Therapists
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Options:
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[Shipresa]

NTT stated the best starting point. In Vegas, this is the go-to place, even in workplace assistance programs. They centralize all the therapists and groups that work with the problem.

Its an addictive personality that needs to be channeled.

My dear friend who still lives in Vegas has a gambling problem. Last time I was back there, we checked out the Pinball museum - he's hooked. The crux of the issue when being a friend is to not replace one compulsive behavior with another that is equally bad. Like major shopping trips or something else equally resource draining.

The thing with my friend, even though he's spending $5 a night in quarters instead of $$$ in the casinos, the casinos are always there. In the past, he did woodworking, art classes, other things that kept him away from casinos. And he had to be in the frame of mind to want that change.

Years ago I had to set him down and explain that I couldn't be his friend anymore, as this behavior was impinging on that. He tries now more for himself (and has more friends too), but its just like alcoholism - its always there and has to be managed.

If your friend only started this behavior, maybe its just something going on in their life, and this is the safest outlet they can find. Be persistent - that is what good friends like you will do!

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by elnina

What does she need? A treatment for her addiction or financial help?

Unless she gets some sort of treatment, I think financial issues will be here shortly. She evidently has lost a huge sum of money in the last three months. She's even gone into her 401K.

[SouthernBoy205]

That's truly sad, and she is very very very very very blessed to have a caring friend like you!

[Oildog]

Most addicts won't respond to treatment until they have hit the bottom and are ready to try and stand up. Sorry.

[Malvie]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Unless she gets some sort of treatment, I think financial issues will be here shortly. She evidently has lost a huge sum of money in the last three months. She's even gone into her 401K.

You know, Cheryl, the worst thing about addiction (to anything) is that, until the person truly WANTS help (regardless of how badly they need it), nothing is going to change.

She may have to hit rock bottom (as so many have) before she realizes she has a problem (does she even know she has a problem?).

I have so many friends in this condition, from drugs or sex or alcohol. I don't know any hard-core gamblers, but it's the same thing. Same pleasure centers in the brain. Same addictive personality.

[dadsearchingforahouse]

I will go with what the BullDawg says - she is very blessed to have a friend like you. Probably this person needs extra TLC elsewhere - treatment for sure and long term care...