My husband has opened up to me about his struggles with gambling addiction in the past. I don't know the full extent of it, but it's definitely still an ongoing problem and I think primarily isolated to online sports betting and short term, high-volume crypto trades. I want to support him while also protecting our financial interests. How can I approach him in a way that encourages him to be transparent with me? Are there any resources for spouses that you think would be useful?

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Speaking as a recovering alcoholic who's done well financially, money covers up a lot of bad behavior, but it most certainly doesn't in any way address the addiction. If anything, it prolonged the time it took for me to realize I needed help, and because of that, my life got pretty dark right before I got help.

You might see if there's a support group for spouses of gambling addicts, O know there's auch a thing for alcoholics. You can learn more about the addiction and where peers have been successful in supporting their recovering spouse.

If he's truly an addict, he's not going to quit until it hurts enough for him to realize there's a problem. Only he knows what that level of pain is, could be a set large amount being lost, it could be missing a mortgage payment (teo or three times), or it could be when you leave because you've had enough.

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Ultimately, you can't change other people. If he's going to gamble, if he's going to spend his money on risky investments, he's going to do it. Speaking from experience, trying to force change with somebody who is struggling with addictive behaviors is often futile. I would just encourage you to protect yourself in the meantime. Maybe attend a support group for spouses, but definitely seek counsel to protect your own finances. Especially if he's not being honest with you. You don't want to be on the hook for his worsening addiction down the line. You can't control him, you can only really protect yourself.

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Some additional details - we've only been married for one year but have lived together and owned a home together for the last 8 years. I've enjoyed keeping our finances independent up until now, but since we've been married and are thinking about having kids in the next few years, we're planning to merge more of our finances.

He's always made a lot of money, so he's never been in a situation where he hasn't been able to pay his bills. I've asked him about it in the past, and he usually brushes it off saying he's not gambling as much, but I never really know the full extent. There's been some red flags that have popped up lately that are making me think that it's a lot worse than I've previously thought. Without going into too many details, a lot came up as we were filing our joint tax return. When I press him on it he shuts down and acts super ashamed. I love him and I hate to see him struggle like this. What can I do?

Addiction is addiction. Going to an Alanon meeting may be supportive and informative.

Keep your finances separate if possible. My husband and I have been married 7 years (together 15) and have separate accounts.

Keep it all separate. Speaking from experience.

I agree with everyone above who said keep your finances separrate. As someone who has been there you don't want to be left holding the bag when the addiction gets too far out of controle.

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