Gambling Addiction and Relationships

[dlee]

Imagine your partner losing $21,000 gambling behind your back. One woman, who had been with her boyfriend for three years, said he had promised to stop gambling months earlier but was still gambling the next day. He always said he was broke, but she paid most of their expenses.
When they met, he confessed everything but begged for another chance, promising to go to counseling.
She eventually left him, realizing she could never trust him again.
Can a person with a gambling addiction really change, or is relapse inevitable?

 

[pmitchell]

I’ve seen too many people swear they’ll change, only to relapse. Gambling addiction is just like any other—it’s a lifelong battle. If they refuse help, heartbreak is inevitable

 

[edwinschmitt]

I’ve seen too many people swear they’ll change, only to relapse. Gambling addiction is just like any other—it’s a lifelong battle. If they refuse help, heartbreak is inevitable

Agreed. I was addicted, and quitting wasn’t just about willpower—it took therapy, accountability, and cutting off everything. If he’s not willing to do that, he’s not serious

 

[dlee]

Yeah, but even if he does change, how do you ever trust him again? He lied for months. That’s not just addiction—it’s straight-up deception

 

[bjohnson]

Yeah, but even if he does change, how do you ever trust him again? He lied for months. That’s not just addiction—it’s straight-up deception

That’s the real issue. Even if he stops gambling, the broken trust is still there. Would you ever date someone with a gambling past?