Affected other

Recovery language

Definition

A partner, parent, child, or friend harmed by someone else's gambling. Research consistently finds several affected others for every person gambling, and helplines serve them directly — NCPG states plainly that loved ones can contact the helpline for themselves.

Preferred phrasing

"affected other" or "family member affected by gambling," not "codependent."

Source

https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/

Cite this

Betttr. "Affected other." The Gambling Recovery Glossary. https://betttr.net/glossary/affected-other/ (accessed 2026-09-20).

Last updated: 2026-09-20.

Corrections: support@betttr.net