Hi Josh
I don’t think we can compare the mistakes that we all make with an addiction to gamble. A compulsion to gamble is not a mistake. Young men gamble with their friends and enjoy it, some find they cannot walk away and through no fault of their own, a life-time’s problem awaits.
There is no cure for the addiction to gamble, a compulsive gambler cannot relapse and then just dust himself down and start all over again.
Your son may just have a problem and hopefully he can be warned away but if he is already addicted, (and his mood swings may be an indication that matters have progressed) I’m not sure how you will warn your son if his mind is fully charged – he is at an age when he will believe that he knows what he is doing and no matter how vigilant you are if he chooses to gamble then he will. It is a secretive addiction and lying to cover up is common. He will need treatment.
The addiction to gamble is not about money, money is only the means to an end where the only goal is the ‘gamble’. When a compulsive gambler gambles, whether it is with a dollar or a million dollars, his juices are fired and every time this happens his addiction grows in strength. It can destroy his life, his home and the lives of those around him, unless it is treated.
The F&F forum and groups are for the families and friends of those who have an addiction to gamble because they are in need of understanding and support. It is only with understanding that we come to realise our limits and accept that the person we should be looking after first is ourselves. It would be good if you could come into an F&F group meeting where we can communicate in real time.
Velvet