LostBet.com - What if the gambler is in denial, or doesn't think it's a problem?

Denial

Denial is a stage in which the gambler faces numerous negative consequences but denies that the gambling is a problem. At this stage, gamblers often believe that they can "stop at any time" or just need to play a little longer until their "luck turns around."

This stage can be very frustrating to those around the gambler who see the damage caused by the addiction. At this time there are a number of things to remember:

It is important to contain your frustration. This anger can lead to defensiveness, which makes it harder for the gambler to admit it is a problem.
It is important to listen to that frustration. You must deal with the feelings this brings up in you since it may be weeks, months, or years until the gambler accepts that it is a problem. You may seek support from GamAnon ( a support group) or a local therapist. At some point, if the gambler refuses to change, you may be faced with the decision of whether or not to continue in a relationship with this level of frustration.
Although you cannot force a gambler to get help, there are things you can do to assist them. Help them to see how the gambling has directly caused the financial problems and the problems in your relationship. Help them to see the specific effects of the gambling in as much detail as possible (ie. You lost X dollars, you haven't spent time with the children for X days, etc). As the gambler comes to see this, it becomes easier for them to accept help.

You may also want to consider contacting us to conduct an intervention on your loved one at this point. We often see with compulsive gamblers -if they are left untreated, the amounts and consequences will grow greater and the periods in between the episodes will grow shorter.