Whether you have just discovered a gambling problem or have been living with it for a while, you are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems. You are heartbroken by your spouse's/partner’s betrayal and the financial devastation. You may be emotionally drained, depressed, and frightened for the future. It is difficult to accept what started out as a recreational activity has turned into a personal family nightmare.
Problem Gambling Family Guide (PDF)
If you have just uncovered a gambling problem in your family you may be asking yourself: “How could this have happened to me? my family?
Do not blame yourself for not knowing. You may have felt for some time things were not quite right, but you were not exactly sure what was wrong.
Every time you questioned your spouse/partner about something that seemed out of the ordinary, they had an explanation or story. And, even though at times the explanation/story provided did not make sense, you believe it because you love and trust your spouse/partner.
Lie or make up stories in order to cover up their gambling activity; Control all the family’s finances or let their spouse control the daily finances while they establish a complex network of ways to obtain credit;
Control the mail by having it sent to their place of business or a post office box, or forge loved one’s signatures for personal loans or mortgages.
When dealing with the effects of a gambling problem you will have feelings of anger, frustration, resentment, isolation, and desperation.
It is important to establish a safety net of supportive family, friends, and community support agencies. They can help you work through the complex problems you are facing. Each person’s support network is unique; each community provides some kind of service.
Contact the Problem Gambling Helpline for support - call, live chat, text, or email.
A crisis gambling counselor can help assess your situation and connect you to ongoing support. Health region problem gambling counselor.
Gam-Anon is a 12 Step self-help fellowship of men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem of another. We understand as perhaps few can. We are familiar with worry and sleepless nights and promises made only to be broken.
With the help of Gam-Anon, we find our way back to a normal way of thinking and living, whether or not our loved ones continue to gamble. We believe that a change in our attitudes is of boundless helps to us as well as to our gamblers.
Gam-Anon is not a religious organization or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment center nor is it allied with any organization offering such services.
No dues or fees are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one's own life has been affected by someone else's gambling problem. Gam-Anon 20 Questions to find out if you are living with a compulsive gambler?
Gam-Anon 20 Question (PDF)
To welcome and give assistance and comfort to those affected by someone else's gambling problem. To communicate Gam-Anon's understanding of compulsive gambling and its impact on our lives.
To share our experience, strength, and hope in coping with the gambling problem. To use the Steps and Tools of the Gam-Anon program which nurtures our spiritual and emotional growth and recovery.
Saskatoon Gam-Anon Meeting
Contact: Tony - 306-683-0421
Betty White recounts her experience being married to a compulsive gambler and provides insight into how dangerous compulsive gambling can be...
What can I do to help myself? Find the resources you need to take back your life.
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