Loneliness can well increase sadness and negative thoughts about yourself which having a good company had helped you subdue. I believe that when one thing is gone, the vacuum will be replaced by another, but him replacing love with gambling is the wrongest of choices made cos this one is not only eating him away, but his finances too. He really needs help.
Whores aren't better cos mistakes are bound to happen and you'll regret your involvement. Whores can even  steal from you, set you up, and  steal important documents if your opponents recruit then against you. There's Also whore addiction, upon addiction, you'll not believe in love no more and your waywardness has just began.