Rožaje family struggles with son's gambling addiction

A mother from Rožaje has shared a personal account of her family’s struggle with her son’s severe gambling addiction. The addiction led to significant financial distress, forcing the parents to take out loans to cover the son's mounting debts.

According to the mother, the family initially attempted to resolve the issue by paying off his debts, but new debts emerged immediately after each repayment. The son’s behavior changed significantly, characterized by secrecy, lying to obtain money, and social withdrawal.

The situation eventually impacted the son's physical and mental health. After seeking assistance from social work centers and medical institutions, including treatment in Podgorica, the son eventually admitted he could no longer control his behavior and agreed to professional help. While his condition has improved, the family remains in constant fear of a relapse. The mother has issued a warning to other parents to monitor sudden changes in behavior and to seek professional help rather than simply attempting to pay off debts.