GAM-ANON
You are not alone.
Compulsive gambling is recognized as an emotional illness. As wives, husbands, partners, siblings, children or friends of compulsive gamblers we know that living with this illness can prove a devastating experience. Family relationships can become unbearably strained and the home filled with bitterness, frustration and resentment. There seems to be no way to solve our insurmountable difficulties; so much so that we are unable to think rationally at times.
If you are affected by someone else’s gambling then Gam-Anon can help! Our meetings are for anyone who has been affected by a loved one’s gambling problem. We have been where you are now. By sharing in our rooms you will find that you are not alone!
Gam Anon and GA meetings are usually held on the same nights but in separate rooms. What is said in each room is kept confidential so that members in both rooms don’t need to worry about sharing their problems or concerns
ARE YOU LIVING WITH A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER?
Do you find yourself constantly bothered by debt collectors?
Is the person in question often away from home for long unexplained periods of time?
Do they ever lose time from work due to gambling?
Do you feel that they cannot be trusted with money?
Do they promise faithfully that they will stop gambling, beg and plead for another chance, yet gamble again and again?
Do they ever gamble longer than they intended to, until their last pound is gone?
Do they immediately return to gambling to try to recover losses or to win more?
Do they ever gamble to get money to solve financial difficulties, or have unrealistic expectations that gambling will bring the family material comfort and wealth?
Do they borrow money to gamble with or to pay gambling debts?
Has their reputation ever suffered due to gambling, sometimes even to the extent of committing illegal acts to finance gambling?
Have you come to the point of hiding money needed for living expenses, fearing that you and the rest of the family may go without food and clothing if you do not?
Do you search their clothing, go through their wallet/purse when the opportunity presents itself, or otherwise check on his or her activities?
Do you hide their money?
Have you noticed a personality change in them as their gambling progresses?
Do they consistently lie to cover up or deny their gambling activities?
Do they use guilt induction as a method of shifting responsibilities for their gambling onto you?
Do you attempt to anticipate their moods or try to control their life?
Do they ever suffer remorse or depression due to gambling, sometimes to the point of self-destruction?
Has the gambling ever brought you to the point of threatening to break up the family unit?
Do you feel that life together is a nightmare?
If you answer YES to at least six of these questions you may well be living with a Compulsive Gambler.
Gam-Anon CAN HELP!