QUESTION
My friend has a problem with gambling.
He goes to the casino all the time and has lost a lot of money. He is now trying to win it all back before his parents notice. What can I do to help him stop his addiction?
ANSWER
Sometimes friends need help - you can see it, but they can't.
The best thing that you can do for your friend is to keep talking with him and not lend him any money. Although it may sound at the time like it could help, lending money can actually make things worse, and you never know how your friend is going to spend the money. It might even be better for your friend in the long run if he is found out - at least that way he will be forced to see that he needs some help.
Letting your friend know that you're worried about him can only be a good thing. Encourage him to leave his credit cards or EFTPOS cards at home, or check whether there is someone around who can manage his money for him in the short term. Limiting the amount of money he carries around with him and making sure that he knows not to mix gambling with drinking might also help.
Most casinos and gambling venues also allow people who have gambling problems to self-exclude themselves. This means that they give the venue the right to ask them to leave. Call the Crown Casino Assistance Program (9662 3929) or the Australian Hotels and Hospitality Association (AHHA 9822 0900) for more information about this.
Talk with your friend about why he gambles. For most people who have a gambling problem, gambling is about more than just winning money. Often people will gamble because they have low self-esteem, are worried about something, are stressed or bored. Encourage your friend to speak with a counsellor about his gambling - each state in Australia has its own gambling related telephone hotline and confidential face to face counselling is also available free of charge. He won't need the consent of his parents to go either, all he has to do is call. Look up Gambler's Help Telephone Services, Gambler's Help or Gamblers Anonymous in the white pages.