← Family Command Center
I want to help without enabling
Helping means supporting recovery. Enabling means protecting the gambling from consequences.
Don't pay gambling debts, lie for them, or make excuses.
Do offer to go with them to a meeting, and tell them you believe they can change.
Let them feel the weight of it. That's often when change starts.
Tools that help
Common questions
- I want to help without enabling: where do I begin?
- Helping means supporting recovery. Enabling means protecting the gambling from consequences. Don't pay gambling debts, lie for them, or make excuses.
- What should I avoid?
- Avoid big decisions in the first heated moment, paying off gambling debts with no plan, and carrying this alone.
- Is there support for me?
- Yes. Gam-Anon is for family members, and the national helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) helps loved ones too.
- Who can I talk to today?
- Call or text 646-721-2056 to talk to a real person. For the national gambling helpline, call 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). If you feel unsafe, call or text 988.