I like the image of your purple bed socks, @Former-Member. Did you make them yourself? I knit sometimes, though have never made socks.
My parents have both been compulsive gamblers throughout my life, and my dear friend around the corner from where I live has been struggling with it all her adult life too. A vicious addiction. Personally I find it impossible to engage with 12-step programs, but I have to admit that the only thing that has been helpful to either my friend or mum has been Gamblers Anonymous. In each case it has helped to rein in the out-of-control extremes of the addiction. It has taken quite some time to get to that point though. It seems very difficult to help, though providing funds as possible at crisis times can be of benefit to the family. As long as it's not the gambler who gets direct hold of it. And also as long as we are not overextending ourselves to be able to offer that assistance.
How lovely you have the companionship of dogs. Hope your day goes smoothly. 
There is real comfort in being heard, Thank you @Faith-and-Hope 
My child does still have all 5 children at home, I am proud of what they are trying to achieve, but worried that they are pushing themself too far. They have their own 'brain process problems' that can lead to despair and substance abuse. I can not condem them for it, all I can do is my best not to condone it. For their whole life at home, they brought up an alcohol and drug abusive Mother, dealt with several of her abusive partners, learning saddness and fear. Yet I can see the cycle repeating.
Have you noticed the same thing within your family? Do you ever blame yourself? Not that you should, neither should I, we do the best we can at the time.
I have a bit of scatter-brain going on, so if this doesn't make sense, please ignore it - I hope your walk went well and the fog lifted for you (that could be quite a deep meaningful statement 🙂 )
My dear @Mazarita, I never did master the art of knitting, I crocheted (not sure of spelling even with the spell check!) a little but lacked the focus/motivation/interest to ever finish anything. But the socks are hand made, I bought them at an op shop for $1 🙂
My child's partner is not a bad person, there is a lot of good there, but this problem was firmly embedded since the day they met - 8 years ago. Though I believe they try to control this, I think it may be outside their ability to do so on their own and I also think they may feel it a weakness to ask for help. All very common I know, but heartbreaking all the same.
I feel helpless, useless; what is the use of wisdom, of knowing that this will probably not turn out well. Addiction is like a war zone, many - many do not make it.
Sometimes I feel like I'm enabling the problem, this time for instance I paid the registration on the family car. It could be seen as indirectly paying for the gambling addiction. But I couldn't leave my children without a means of transport.
Be kind to yourself for your self is the one who most needs it
Thanks, @Former-Member
Understandable that you paid the registration, and very kind. I believe it was also helpful in a real, practical way, but understand too your concerns about enabling addiction. Not having children, I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to want to help but feel unable to fix things. My own mother has endured a lot with me. I'm so grateful we have such a wonderful friendship now that we are both a bit older. She's visiting in about three weeks, can't wait to see her. My mother would agree with this too: kindness to ourselves may be the hardest thing to do for some of us...