Myths about hotline calls
Myths and reality of hotline calls
Myth 1. "It's expensive and time-consuming"
Reality: Calling 1800 858 858 is free from all landlines and mobiles around Australia and takes just as long as you need - from 5 minutes for a quick consultation to longer support.
Myth 2. 'I won't be understood if I don't speak English'
Reality: The hotline provides interpreting services in more than 20 languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek and Arabic. You can ask the operator to connect the translator immediately when dialing the number.
Myth 3. "Extreme cases only hotline - suicidal thoughts"
Reality: The service helps at any stage: from the first signs of uncontrollable attraction to rates to the acute stage of addiction. Consultants will give recommendations on self-disconnection, financial planning and routing to an in-person specialist.
Myth 4. "You need to wait until the operator is free on the line"
Reality: Average wait times rarely exceed 2-3 minutes. During peak hours, the load is higher, but the system prioritizes calls with signs of crisis and maintains the queue in real time.
Myth 5. 'My problem is too small to call'
Reality: There are no "too small" problems with gaming addiction. Early support reduces the risk of serious consequences. Consultants will help assess the situation and offer preventive measures.
Myth 6. 'All calls are recorded and could affect my reputation'
Reality: Calls are anonymous and confidential. Without your consent, information is not transferred to third parties, except for emergency cases of threat to life or health.
Myth 7. 'Hotline is just a phone'
Reality: In addition to calls, chat on the Gambling Help Online website, e-mail correspondence and video consultations are available. All channels work around the clock and are free.
Myth 8. 'I won't be able to call for another person'
Reality: Relatives, friends and colleagues can call on behalf of the person with the problem. You will be offered support tools and tips on how to motivate a loved one to turn to professionals.
Myth 9. 'They won't call me back after the first call'
Reality: When asked, you can negotiate a follow-up: a call back 24 to 48 hours later, followed by regular phone meetings to monitor progress and adjust the plan.
Myth 10. "A hotline is useless if I live in a remote area"
Reality: The service is available across Australia regardless of your location. Chat and video consultations work without restrictions, and if necessary, you will be sent to the nearest regional specialist.
Conclusion
The gaming addiction hotline in Australia debunks all common myths: it is fast, free, anonymous and available to anyone who has difficulty gambling or wants to support a loved one. Don't let stereotypes stop you from getting expert help at any point in the day.
Myth 1. "It's expensive and time-consuming"
Reality: Calling 1800 858 858 is free from all landlines and mobiles around Australia and takes just as long as you need - from 5 minutes for a quick consultation to longer support.
Myth 2. 'I won't be understood if I don't speak English'
Reality: The hotline provides interpreting services in more than 20 languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek and Arabic. You can ask the operator to connect the translator immediately when dialing the number.
Myth 3. "Extreme cases only hotline - suicidal thoughts"
Reality: The service helps at any stage: from the first signs of uncontrollable attraction to rates to the acute stage of addiction. Consultants will give recommendations on self-disconnection, financial planning and routing to an in-person specialist.
Myth 4. "You need to wait until the operator is free on the line"
Reality: Average wait times rarely exceed 2-3 minutes. During peak hours, the load is higher, but the system prioritizes calls with signs of crisis and maintains the queue in real time.
Myth 5. 'My problem is too small to call'
Reality: There are no "too small" problems with gaming addiction. Early support reduces the risk of serious consequences. Consultants will help assess the situation and offer preventive measures.
Myth 6. 'All calls are recorded and could affect my reputation'
Reality: Calls are anonymous and confidential. Without your consent, information is not transferred to third parties, except for emergency cases of threat to life or health.
Myth 7. 'Hotline is just a phone'
Reality: In addition to calls, chat on the Gambling Help Online website, e-mail correspondence and video consultations are available. All channels work around the clock and are free.
Myth 8. 'I won't be able to call for another person'
Reality: Relatives, friends and colleagues can call on behalf of the person with the problem. You will be offered support tools and tips on how to motivate a loved one to turn to professionals.
Myth 9. 'They won't call me back after the first call'
Reality: When asked, you can negotiate a follow-up: a call back 24 to 48 hours later, followed by regular phone meetings to monitor progress and adjust the plan.
Myth 10. "A hotline is useless if I live in a remote area"
Reality: The service is available across Australia regardless of your location. Chat and video consultations work without restrictions, and if necessary, you will be sent to the nearest regional specialist.
Conclusion
The gaming addiction hotline in Australia debunks all common myths: it is fast, free, anonymous and available to anyone who has difficulty gambling or wants to support a loved one. Don't let stereotypes stop you from getting expert help at any point in the day.
