Hi,
I’m a compulsive gambler who has been abstinent for almost two years. Unfortunately, I relapsed and am struggling to get into passive mode again. When I hit my rock bottom I finally confessed to my parents. They helped me a little pay my bills. I was never the type to go full overboard, my rock bottom was not being able to pay all my bills on time. Now, that I have relapsed, I’m too afraid and ashamed to tell my parents again.
This disease we carry is full of shame and guilt. We lie, blame, deny, act irrational and do all sorts of ugly things to hide these feelings. Then we feel guilty because of how we have acted and want our problems to go away so we chase losses. It’s an ugly cycle, tough to break. I’m sorry for doing this to you.
I don’t know at what stage your son is at the moment, but one thing you can always try to do for him, which will also ease your worries at least a bit, is suggest helping him control his finances. Tell him that you are here for him to keep his money, give him an allowance, manage it into savings accounts, safeguard his credit cards or similar. If he refuses, at least it will remain lingering somewhere in the back of his head.
When he hits rock bottom and should you decide to bail him out again, make sure it comes with the condition of you handling all his finances and him finding help. Never ever bail out a compulsive gambler without setting terms and conditions.
Good luck!