Hi Jack
When family members are told that their loved one has relapsed, they are generally devastated but they are also very lonely – lack of understanding is truly understandable.
I don’t know if your wife sought support for herself in the past but there is good support there for her if she wants it. On this site we offer the Friends and Family forum and also the two closed Friends and Family groups. Your wife would be very welcome in the groups Jack, nothing said in the groups appears on the forum so it is private and safe. Her fears and confusion will be understood.
Gam-Anon is the sister group of GA and is a place where your wife can get on the ground comfort – I think it is wonderful.
Honesty now is the best way forward for your wife – she will be frightened and confused, she may well explode or implode with anger – it will be devastating for her because it is out of her control. I suggest that you talk calmly and without making any more promises.
Knowledge of the addiction to gamble is key to all of us, gambler and family member, alike.
There is more than a glimmer of hope. I wouldn’t be writing to you if I didn’t know that you can control your addiction and be the man you – and your wife, want you to be. Your wife cannot save you, only you can do that but a gamble-free life is within your grasp.
I wish you well
Velvet
