How to get help with a combination of addictions: gambling and alcohol/drugs

1. Contacting the hotline 1800 858 858

Comprehensive assessment: the operator conducts screening not only by criteria of gambling addiction, but also by signs of alcohol or drug use, reveals the severity of each disorder.

Referral: After the initial conversation, you receive a list of specialized AOD (alcohol and other drugs) services and licensed centers for the treatment of gambling addiction.

2. Diagnosis of comorbid disorders

DSM-5: at the first face-to-face consultation or online appointment, diagnostics are carried out according to the criteria of "substance use disorder" and "gaming behavior disorder."

Multiprofile team: psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist assess the physical, psychological and social state, as well as the presence of concomitant depression and anxiety.

3. Developing an integrated treatment plan

Single protocol: combined interventions address both dependencies simultaneously to avoid "switching" to another addictive pattern.

The goals of therapy: a clear distinction between primary (for example, detoxification) and secondary (working with game triggers) stages, with equal priority.

4. Detoxification and medical support

Inpatient or outpatient detox: depending on the severity of the substance dependence.

Medications: benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, naltrexone or buprenorphine for opioid addictions; antidepressants and anxiolytics, if necessary.

5. Psychotherapeutic methods

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): modules to work with irrational beliefs about play and alcohol/drugs, learning to overcome impulses.

Motivational interviewing: increasing internal motivation to change, working out "ambivalence" regarding the rejection of both types of addictions.

Group therapy: integrated groups where both game and substantive problems are discussed at the same time.

6. Self-help and mutual aid groups

Gamblers Anonymous + Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous: attend both groups on a 12-step basis; many centres organize joint sessions.

Dual Recovery Anonymous: specialized groups for people with two addictions, working on an adapted program "12 steps."

7. Social and family support

Family therapy: involving relatives in restoring trust, learning supportive interaction and preventing codependency.

Social services: employment assistance, housing, debt management and restoration of financial stability.

8. Telemedicine and online modules

Video sessions and chat consultations: for those who cannot attend face-to-face receptions.

Self-learning programs: interactive modules for stress management, disruption prevention and financial planning.

9. Follow-up and long-term monitoring

Regular callbacks from the hotline and follow-up with your therapist: monitoring dynamics, adjusting the plan, early detection of relapse.

Mobile tracker application: daily marking of breakdown, mood and momentary urges, which is integrated with the crisis coordinator.

10. Preventive measures and relapse prevention

Individual "crisis plan": list of emergency contacts (hotline, AOD service, trusted person), instructions for safe risk reduction.

Educational webinars: regular online workshops on recognizing "relapse precursors," relaxation techniques and leisure planning without addictive models.

Comprehensive support with simultaneous play and substance dependence requires concerted action by the hotline, medical services, psychotherapists and mutual assistance groups. By following the plan described, you get a structured path to stabilization, recovery and long-term recurrence prevention.