My son's gambling addiction with a "sure-fire" roulette system is ruining his life

[Tom Heller]

My 27-year-old son is depressed and in the habit of gambling. His manual-labor job seems to get him down and he feels worthless as in our family both parents are graduates, as is his younger sister – he feels the only way out of his "inadequacy" is going to the bookies so that "one day" he will win enough so as not to have to work any more.

Typically, he gambles most of his income within a fortnight. As he lives at home and his dad lends him money when he needs it, it gives him the confidence to continue with his obsession. He has recently discovered a "sure-fire" roulette system he plays online. I must stress that Dad has control over his account and ensures that he receives the money my son owes him each month after he gets paid.

He is not happy about his addiction but refuses to see our GP, dismissing the possibility that he will understand his condition or help him in any way.

My relationship with my son has never been great. I do care for him and love him so very much, but feel constrained by his reactions. Each time I suggest something, he finds it patronising and dismisses it before he even hears it.