Elderly Parent With A Gambling Problem
Gambling problems can have significant impacts on families and communities, yet this has received relatively little research attention. Although most available information is based on intimate partners and children, gambling problems can also affect extended family members such as parents, grandparents and siblings. But problem gambling can be destructive and if not addressed, can leave your parent embarrassed, financially strapped and stressed. While you can't force your parents to stop gambling, taking some steps to provide them with resources and support will let them know your concerns and willingness to help them get better. Elderly Parent With A Gambling Problem, casino spit in sandwich, jugar juegos casino tragamonedas gratis, poker tools ipad.
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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.
If you’re the child of a problem gambler, we know it can be a difficult experience. You may be struggling to understand the addiction, and you might be asking, “Why can’t they just stop?” Maybe you want to help but you don’t know how, or you’re worried that your parent’s addiction may lead you to your own. If you still live at home, you might be dealing with the loss or downsizing of your home, or the selling of possessions to pay off the debt of the family.
We know this is a hard time, but you are not alone. Here are some things you should know:
Elderly Parent With A Gambling Problem Must
Your Parent’s Gambling Addiction? It’s Not Your Fault.
Many children of problem gamblers wonder if it was something they did that drove their parents toward their addiction. That is not the case. You did not cause it, and you cannot single-handedly stop it. Remove that pressure from yourself and do not feel guilty. It was no choice or action of yours that caused this addiction.
It’s Not a Choice – It’s a Gambling Disorder.
Gambling addiction is a disease. It’s not a bad habit, carelessness or reckless behavior and it’s not a sign of a lack of care for the family at home. Those are misconceptions – some of the myths of problem gambling. Just like addictions to drugs and alcohol, this addiction is a disease. It’s a mental health issue, and that is why it is so hard for problem gamblers to stop.
Elderly Parent With A Gambling Problem May
Gambling addicts feel a “high” when they gamble – just as alcoholics do when they drink and drug addicts do when they use their choice of legal or illegal drugs. The only difference is gambling doesn’t require problem gamblers to ingest anything to reach a euphoric state.
Help is Available.
Counseling, whether in one-on-one sessions or support groups, is available throughout New York State for problem gamblers and for anyone affected by problem gambling.
While many family members may accompany the gambler to private therapy or counseling sessions, others find it valuable to go to Gam-Anon meetings attended by significant others, family members and friends of people with addictions. Gam-Anon provides you with the opportunity to share your story, concerns and frustration with people who have been through the same experience. You’ll feel less alone, and you’ll be able to get advice and emotional support from people who understand how you feel and how you can move forward.
Your Relationship May Be Strained Now, But It Can Be Repaired.
Gambling addiction can be cured, and work can be done to fix damage done, such as the accumulation of debt, the loss of property and the loss of the trust of family, friends and employers.
You may be angry at your parent. They may have lied to you in order to gamble, or simply kept the truth from you for months or years. Their financial situation may have jeopardized your lifestyle or purchases you had expected to rely on, such as money put away for a new family car or the savings that had been kept for your college tuition. You may have to deal with the reactions of other family members, friends, neighbors or coworkers who have found out about your parent’s addiction and attempt to discuss it with you.
Your relationship with your parent can be repaired. It may take time, and it will take the work, but together you can begin communicating and return to a relationship that’s open and honest.
Need help?
If you’re ready to talk to a counselor or support group about your family member’s gambling, we are prepared to help you immediately. The NYS HOPEline offers help and hope to people every day. You can call toll-free anytime for assistance. Every call is anonymous and confidential.
Call 1-877-8-HOPENY.
Elderly Parent With A Gambling Problems
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Gambling addiction knows no social or economic boundaries, and studies have shown that addiction rates are currently rising for seniors. As the baby boomer generation begins to move to retirement, experts believe this number will continue to rise, which presents a major socioeconomic problem that is likely to only get worse.
Why Do Seniors Gamble?
There are many reasons senior citizens (ages 65 and up) are at risk for becoming addicted to gambling. For one, gambling has been identified as one of the most common social activities among adults over 65. With trips to the casino and bingo nights becoming preferred recreational options for seniors, it is a natural reaction for addiction rates to increase.
Seniors without family or friends frequently visiting may be lonely, and no employment to occupy their time can cause boredom. Widows may also use social activities such as gambling to distract from feelings of loss.
A recent study found that 70 percent of seniors had gambled in the previous year, and that one in 10 had bet more than he or she could comfortably afford to lose.
It’s important to recognize that gambling addiction can suddenly manifest in a senior with no prior history of gambling. Seniors tend to have special vulnerabilities such as an abundance of free time as well as a need to seek relief from physical and emotional pain.
If we take a moment to consider the demographics of casino patrons, according to the American Gaming Association, 36 percent of the U.S. population ages 50 to 64 and 28 percent of individuals 65 and older visited a casino in 2012. The fastest growing group of problem gamblers is female seniors, which is mainly due to the loss of a spouse, as women often have longer lifespans than men.
Consequences of the “Hidden” Gambling of Seniors
Addicted seniors are gambling their retirement funds away, and many more live on fixed income, leading to unmanageable financial strain. Over time, seniors feel the financial burden of continued betting and often believe they must continue to gamble in order to overcome their financial stress. Once addicted, it can be very difficult to break this cycle that will eventually lead to financial ruin.
Because seniors tend to live away from their younger family members, their addiction can remain hidden for long stretches of time. How can you identify gambling addiction in seniors?
• Your senior family member or friend may appear withdrawn or frequently unavailable.
• They may be vague when describing their days and activities.
• They may have sold off their valuable belongings for unexplained reasons.
• They speak of exciting wins – but don’t ever discuss their losses.
Help is available.
If you need help, call the NYS HOPEline today. Our professionals are available 24/7 to provide advice and support, as well as point you to help in your county.
Call 1-877-8-HOPENY (that is 1-877-846-7369). There are counselors throughout New York State trained and certified in the area of gambling addiction, ready to help you on your road to recovery.
Are you interested in learning more gambling in various populations, including seniors, military members, women and more? Check out our latest e-book, “The Hidden Addiction,” and share it with others to help raise awareness about this growing issue.