Gift cards are the same as cash. They don't have to spend them at that store - they can sell the gift card at a discount, and use the cash wherever they want. Cash... just supports the addiction.
Its REALLY hard when they live farther away. Someone like Lil, for example, can invite her son over for supper and send home leftovers. It's hard to "sell" leftovers. It's also easier to tell what the big picture is when they are closer. From far away - he just needs to not call when he's on a binge, and you don't know if he is doing better or just hiding it better.
I wish there were easier, concrete answers to this stuff.
