How to Help Your Gambling Spouse

Gambling may cause a disruption in your marriage, particularly if your spouse loses a great deal of money. There is a distinction between occasional gambling and gambling addiction. HelpGuide.org reports 15 million Americans suffer from a gambling problem. Gambling addiction, as with other forms of addiction, is difficult to quit and can have lasting emotional and financial impacts on you and your family. According to the Institute for Gambling Education and Research, 99 percent of spouses of gambling addicts experience money problems.

Instructions

Confronting the Problem

• 1

  Discuss the problem with your spouse. Find a time when you are alone and your spouse is not occupied with debts, bills or other stressful matters.

• 2

  Restrain your anger when discussing gambling addiction. The Better Health Channel points out that blaming your partner will make him defensive; this makes it more difficult for him to seek help from you and others.

• 3

  Offer your help. Let your spouse know you care about her and convey how pathological gambling affects you and your family. Perform stress-relieving activities together; these can include meditation, massage and exercising.

Treatment

• 4

  Encourage your spouse to call a hotline for treatment guidance. There are various resources by state. To start, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline (see "Resources").

• 5

  Seek an appropriate treatment program. The type of treatment depends upon the severity of your spouse's addiction.

• 6

  Ensure that your spouse stays in treatment. Avoid interrogative questions; inquire about his day without using confrontation techniques. Offer continuous praise and encouragement throughout treatment.

• 7

  Consider the amount of time and money needed for treatment programs, as well as your spouse's level of commitment.

Maintenance

• 8

  Do not help your spouse clear up gambling debt. Clearing gambling debt opens the door for your spouse to create new debt.

• 9

  Avoid feeding into your spouse's gambling addiction. Establish separate bank accounts and refrain from giving your spouse cash. Keep all assets solely under your name.

• 10

  Seek a financial counselor. Pave your own way to financial security without the risk of your spouse gambling away your life savings.