Having a casino down the block will not affect your marriage, BUT, if your spouse is spending all his/her waking hours there (and not to mention, spending money away as if there is no tomorrow), then that’s the start of your problems and may lead to a crippling effect on your marriage and family life. A gambling addict is not the only one affected by the problems arising from the addiction. The entire household will also be disturbed.
So you need to be up in arms against this addiction. Be vigilant and arm yourself to battle your spouse’s addiction. Don’t be an innocent bystander and helplessly watch your marriage and family crumble into pieces.
Educate yourself. You have to learn and understand what this addiction is all about and what can be possible explanations why your spouse is up to his/her head with gambling.
Have a support group. Talk to your family, your pastor or priest, or Gamblers Anonymous. Draw from them strength and support so that you can strongly face the struggles of your battle against your spouse’s gambling addiction.
Seek emotional release in people you trust and are comfortable with. You need to vent out your frustrations, your anger, and your feelings regarding the dire situation you find your family in.
Keep a tight grip on your finances. You should protect your family’s assets since your spouse cannot and will not. You may seek the assistance of a financial adviser to capably manage your family’s finances. Don’t come out of this dilemma, broke.
Being brave to go through all these is just half the battle. Try to involve your spouse and your family throughout. But you should be the pillar of strength.
