[Redpoppy]

He suffered from what we thought was mild OCD when younger – with some of the classic behaviour symptoms although they did not affect his daily life.  He believes that this has woven itself into the addiction – so that the ‘compulsion’ part of the OCD is now gambling rather than checking the taps are not running etc. If so, surely he would need treatment for the OCD before/in conjuction with treatment for the addiction?  Has anyone come across this before? 

[Redpoppy]

My 23 year old son has been gambling for over 5 years and has lost a significant amount of money. We have bailed him for rent and payment back to friends but we all know that the bailing cannot and must not go on. He lives and works in the City and gets a good salary, but now he has a debt repayment plan in place and owes us too. It would be manageable, but as soon as he gets his salary, he (usually) just about pays his rent and then blows the rest in days. Then he borrows from friends and then is disgusted with himself that he cannot pay them back (that is where we have come in). He is very self aware and has done all he can to seek help (National Gambling Clinic group therapy, self exclusion, telling friends not to lend him money because he is is in heavy debt, telling quite a few people that he is a compulsive gambler). He is talking about going to the Drs to try SRIs and also is on the list for NHS therapy of some sort. I can see that he is trying so hard – but the beast is still at his shoulder. I know I need to look after myself and am doing a mindfulness course atm which helps a bit. I keep imagining how he must be feeling and feel so desperately sorry for him.

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