Psychological help: What includes
Introduction
Psychological assistance for gaming addiction is a systematic set of methods whose goal is to stabilize the emotional state, build controlled behavior and prevent relapses. Below is a clear list of what is included in the help through the hotline and in subsequent support programs.
1. Crisis intervention
Condition stabilization
Instant anxiety reduction techniques: breathing exercises, distractions, safe pauses.
Acute support
Anonymous dialogue, where a counselor helps manage intrusive thoughts and suicidal risks.
First aid plan
Specific steps: activate a timeout, set a deposit limit, connect a "controller," contact emergency services in an acute crisis situation.
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Identification of trigger thoughts
Identifying automatic beliefs ("I have to win back") that provoke bets.
Reformulation of installations- Behavioral experiments
Testing new strategies: pauses, self-observation diary and alternative activities.
3. Motivational interview
Increased internal motivation
The consultant asks open questions so that you yourself come to a decision to reduce rates.
Developing personal goals
You formulate why you want to control the excitement: family, health, finances.
Step-by-step change plan
Together with the consultant, you build realistic stages ("first, the limit is 50 AUD per day" → "after a month, 100 AUD per week").
4. Family and couples counselling
Involving loved ones
Joint sessions with a partner or parents, where family rules and roles are discussed.
Building boundaries
Separation of financial and personal boundaries, agreements on control and support.
Communication skills
Nonviolent communication techniques (I-messages, active listening) to avoid charges.
5. Group therapy and communities
Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon bands
Format 12 steps, exchange of experience, mutual responsibility.
Psychotherapeutic groups
Small group CBT practice, role play, peer support.
Online groups
Regular webinars and chats for families and players, convenient in the absence of access to face-to-face meetings.
6. Relapse prevention and long-term plan
Develop alarm plan
Algorithm for returning intrusive thoughts ("time out →" "call to a consultant" → "support group").
Monitoring & Follow-up
Repeated calls or meetings after 3, 7 and 30 days to assess progress and adjust strategy.
Self-help resources
Checklists, workbooks, mobile applications for tracking time and money consumption.
Conclusion
Psychological help for gambling addiction is not just talk, but a comprehensive system of interventions: from emergency stabilizing contact to deep cognitive and family therapy, group support and a clear plan for the prevention of relapses. Use the hotline, then go to the assigned program to fully restore control.
