Good day everyone, I would just like to seek some enlightenment. My friend's family has been struggling financially due to his father's gambling addiction. Because of this, their mother left and his father became worst and all their savings were gone. My friend John has been working hard just to continue his studies and I can see how frustrated he is. He was no longer the cheerful John I know. How can I advice him?
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Difficult question, because it´s his father who would need professional help. He should encourage his dad to seek medical help!
Originally posted by Primrose6789
Difficult question, because it´s his father who would need professional help. He should encourage his dad to seek medical help!
I told John to try to talk to his father, but he said he is not ready and he's finding the right time to confront him.
Hard times, addiction to anything is a serious issue.
I think you just have to be a good friend and let John know your there to listen if he ever wants to talk about it. The key thing is to listen, and not try to give your opinion, but instead help John to go through the thought process to come to his own opinion/conclusion. It's easier said than done, so just be there when he needs somebody and be supportive, don't try to give advice.
Often when a parent has an issue it's easy to think that it will be passed on, but it doesn't have to be that way with addiction. The thought that he is his fathers son and therefore an addict can stick for life, and change how he thinks going forward. If he ever talks to you about it, you might want to remind him that he is not his father, and he does not have to become and addict.
The problem with addiction is that the patient himself must be ready to seek help! That´s the hardest part.
I will never get tired of listening to my friend's dilemmas. I hope his father will realize the reality and be able to seek help.
I think you can´t do anything more but just be there for him and confort him.
Sorry for not having any other constructive advice 