DEAR ABBY: My wife of 12 years, "Marie," has a serious gambling problem. Every night, she goes straight from work to the casino and stays there at least until 1 a.m. We both have low-paying jobs, and we can't afford this. Every time I mention it she gets really mad and stalks out of the room. Not only is it an expensive habit, but I hardly ever get to see her anymore. Please help. -- CONFUSED IN WASHINGTON
DEAR CONFUSED: It appears you are married to a gambling addict who is in denial. That's why it's important to separate your finances from hers if you can. A lawyer can help you do that.
There is an organization that might help you called Gam-Anon. It's a 12-step fellowship for husbands, wives, relatives or friends of compulsive gamblers who have been affected by their loved one's problem. Its website is www.gam-anon.org. Please check it out.