- How Do I Deal with My Parent's Gambling Addiction? Posted On August 21, 2013. With so many people in New York State becoming addicted to gambling, many more family members and friends are forced to understand gambling addiction and its consequences, as well as how they should deal with the impact a parent's gambling addiction has on their own lives.
- My father gives me money every month end.But from the last 4 months i didn't even use single rupee in it.When ever he gives me money i will place that money in gambling.Now i am left with nothing.I even borrowed money from my friends too.Now what should i do.How to stop gambling.I am not able to come out of it.I tried a lot but i am not able.
My father never admitted he had a gambling problem either. But I found out my dad never knew who his father was and just before he died of a heart attack at the age of 50, he told me. I know understand where the root of addiction comes from for some. My father grew up without a dad and a very domineering mother who was a borderline sociopath. My dad has lived in this house for over 60 years and I couldn't stand seeing him so stressed out over losing it. I want to try to talk to him, to get him to admit he has a problem, to see if he would be willing to go to counseling, but I really don't think he would.
Dear Savvy Senior,
I'm worried that my 76-year-old father has become addicted to gambling. He spends at least two days a week at an Indian casino about a half-hour's drive from his house playing slot machines. What can I do?
Worried Daughter
Dear Worried,
Problem gambling among older adults is unfortunately on the rise. Studies suggest that more than 4 million Americans, age 65 and older, could have a gambling problem. The reasons behind this growing problem are because seniors have time and money on their hands and the influx of casinos that have cropped up around the country have made access to gambling much more convenient. Here's what you should know, along with some tips and resources that can help your dad if he does indeed have a problem.
Problem Gambling
For most older adults, gambling is simply a fun recreational activity, but for those who become addicted to it, it can be a devastating disease that can financially wipe them out.
There are a number of reasons why seniors can be vulnerable to gambling problems. For starters, seniors are often catered to by casinos with free bus transportation, free drinks, discounted meals, special rewards and other prizes as a way to entice them.
In addition, many seniors use gambling as a way to distract or escape feelings of loneliness, depression or even a chronic health condition. Some may have financial problems they are seeking to overcome. And some may have cognitive impairment that interferes with their ability to make sound decisions.
Adding to the problem is that many seniors may not understand addiction, making them less likely to identify a gambling problem. Or they may be confused or embarrassed that they can't control their urges to gamble and reluctant to seek help because they think that at their age, they should know better. And even if they recognize that they have a problem, they may not know that help is available or where to get it.
You should also know that while there are many gambling options for people to get hooked on today, casino slot machines are far and away the most popular among seniors. Slot machines are much more addictive then the old machines of yesteryear with spinning lemons, cherries and melons. Many of today's slot machines offer intense sensory stimulation with large video screens, music and vibrating, ergonomic chairs.
Get Help
I Think My Dad Has A Gambling Problem Involving
In addition, many seniors use gambling as a way to distract or escape feelings of loneliness, depression or even a chronic health condition. Some may have financial problems they are seeking to overcome. And some may have cognitive impairment that interferes with their ability to make sound decisions.
Adding to the problem is that many seniors may not understand addiction, making them less likely to identify a gambling problem. Or they may be confused or embarrassed that they can't control their urges to gamble and reluctant to seek help because they think that at their age, they should know better. And even if they recognize that they have a problem, they may not know that help is available or where to get it.
You should also know that while there are many gambling options for people to get hooked on today, casino slot machines are far and away the most popular among seniors. Slot machines are much more addictive then the old machines of yesteryear with spinning lemons, cherries and melons. Many of today's slot machines offer intense sensory stimulation with large video screens, music and vibrating, ergonomic chairs.
Get Help
I Think My Dad Has A Gambling Problem Involving
I Think My Son Has A Gambling Problem
How can you know if your dad has a gambling problem? Gamblers Anonymous offers a 20-question online test at GamblersAnonymous.org that he can take to help determine if he has a problem. In the meantime, here are some questions you can ask to help evaluate his situation.
- Is he preoccupied with gambling, constantly talking about it, or planning to gamble versus doing his normal activities?
- Is he gambling more and more money to get the same level of excitement?
- Is he using his retirement funds or other savings to gamble, or is he pawning or selling personal items to get money to gamble with?
- Has he lost control to the point that he can't set a limit of time and money to spend in the casino, and stick to it?
- Does he become uncomfortable, angry or lie when you ask him about his gambling activities?
I Think My Wife Has A Gambling Problem
If your dad answers yes to any of these questions, he may have a problem. To find help contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPgambling. org), a non-profit organization that operates a 24-hour national hotline at 800-522-4700. They can direct you to resources in your area, including counselors who have been trained through the National Certified Gambler Counseling Program.
I Think My Friend Has A Gambling Problem
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of 'The Savvy Senior' book.
