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Dear Abby, My Son is Addicted to Poker... What Should I do
Q. My son started watching television tournaments of no-limit Texas Hold 'Em and developed a liking for poker. He's now playing with his buddies and losing between $300 and $500 a week. Now the amount of money bet has increased to the point where he's borrowing from me to pay for gas for his car. I'm worried that he's developing a gambling problem. What should I do? -- M., Seaford, N.Y.
A. If he's not already addicted, he may be well on his way, and you're right to be worried. The evidence of any addictive behavior is that the person is powerless to end it and the habit begins to destroy his or her ability to live a normal, productive life. Gambling doesn't always cause addiction, but you can't be sure and your son's losses have already reached a troubling level.
You need to get your son some help (though he may resist your offer). Look to a trusted counselor or a 12-step program for groups of recovering addicts, such as Gam-anon, to help him see the truth of his self-destructive behavior. Addiction is not a game.
[ Our Advice: Buy him the following books and a copy of the Wilson Software for his PC.
Super/System by Doyle Brunson
Championship No Limit & Pot Limit Hold 'Em Poker
by T.J. Cloutier
Theory of Poker by David Sklansky
Play Poker Like The Pros - Phil Hellmuth Jr.
Thank us later...
-Ed ]

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