My Mom Has a Gambling Addiction: What to Do

When dealing with gambling addiction the impacts ripple far beyond the individual struggling. Families, friends, and loved ones often find themselves grappling with the fallout of a gambling addiction. While men gamble twice as much as women — 69% of American men gamble, compared to 36% of American women — women can also fall victim to problem gambling. This can be particularly harmful to mothers. If you believe your mom has a gambling problem there are steps to take to help her through this trying time.  

Recognizing the Signs

Identifying a gambling addiction in a loved one, particularly a mother, is often challenging due to the secretive nature of the behavior. However, there are common signs to watch for, such as frequent trips to casinos or gambling venues, unexplained financial difficulties, and neglect of responsibilities at home or work. Additionally, mood swings, irritability, and lying about gambling activities may indicate a deeper problem.

Impact on the Family

A parent's gambling addiction can profoundly affect their child, causing emotional, financial, and psychological turmoil. Children may experience neglect, instability, and insecurity due to erratic finances and parental absences. Witnessing the destructive behavior can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. Moreover, the familial stress can disrupt relationships, impairing the child's social and academic development. Long-term consequences may include an increased risk of developing their own addictive behaviors or mental health issues. It's essential to address these impacts through support and intervention to mitigate the lasting effects on the child's well-being and future.

Treatment Options

For mothers struggling with a gambling addiction, seeking treatment is crucial for recovery and rebuilding their lives. Several options are available, including individual counseling, clinician-led group therapy and peer support programs offered by Birches Health. Therapy can help address underlying psychological issues contributing to the addiction, while support groups provide a sense of community and understanding. Nowadays they are available online, allowing mothers to pursue their recovery journey from the comfort of home. 

One common form of counseling is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a cornerstone in treating gambling addiction, focusing on changing harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Through CBT, individuals learn coping strategies to manage urges, challenge irrational beliefs about gambling, and develop healthier ways to address underlying emotional triggers, aiding in long-term recovery.

In severe cases, inpatient residential treatment programs offered by facilities provide structured environments tailored to the individual's needs.

Supporting a Loved One

Supporting a mother with a gambling addiction requires patience, empathy, and understanding. It's essential to approach the situation with compassion rather than judgment, recognizing that addiction is a complex and challenging struggle, not a personal failure. Encouraging open communication and expressing concern for their well-being can help facilitate a dialogue about seeking treatment.

Setting boundaries is also important, as enabling behavior can perpetuate the addiction. This may involve managing finances together with increased visibility, limiting access to money, or seeking professional guidance on managing financial responsibilities. Above all, expressing love and support while encouraging treatment is key to helping a mother overcome her gambling addiction.

Beyond Support: Self-Care for You

While supporting a loved one, don't neglect your own well-being.  This path to recovery can be emotionally draining. Consider joining a support group for families of those with gambling addictions. There are online resources and local chapters of organizations like Gam-Anon that can provide a safe space to share experiences and receive encouragement. Taking care of your mental and emotional health allows you to be a stronger support system for your mother.

Remember, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you and your loved one navigate this challenging path. With courage, compassion, and a commitment to healing, a brighter future awaits.

The Road Forward

Recovery from a gambling addiction is possible with the right support and treatment. By addressing the underlying issues driving the addiction and learning healthier coping mechanisms, mothers can reclaim their lives and rebuild relationships with their families. It's a journey filled with challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but with determination and support, healing is achievable. Supporting a mother through a gambling addiction can be difficult. By recognizing the signs of addiction, exploring treatment options, and offering unwavering support, families can play a crucial role in their loved one's journey to recovery. 

If you or your mom may be struggling with a gambling problem, Birches Health is the leading gambling addiction provider in the United States, offering both individual counseling with gambling-specialized counselors nationwide, along with clinician-led group therapy options. The Birches online care program is available in all 50 states, and costs can be covered by insurance or state funding for eligible residents. To speak with a care specialist from Birches, there are multiple options available:

Book an appointment

Call 833-483-3838

Email help@bircheshealth.com