What to do after the first contact
1. Record key operator recommendations
After contacting the hotline, you have already received professional support and primary advice. Rewrite or remember:
2. Organize self-monitoring system
1. Set limits
Use the self-disconnect mechanism on betting platforms and gambling points.
Set daily and weekly financial limits as recommended by the operator.
2. Launch tracker applications
Download the official Gambling Help Online app or any budget program.
Enter your limits and use time-out reminders.
3. Assign the following contacts
Call back from the line: If you have agreed on a "follow-up," add the exact date and time to the calendar.
Self-consistent reminders: Put yourself on phone or mail notifications 24 to 48 hours later, then weekly for a month.
4. Connect local resources
1. Face-to-face support groups
Find the nearest affiliate of Gamblers Anonymous or similar organization in your state.
Check the schedule of meetings and make an appointment for the nearest one.
2. Psychologists and social workers
If the line operator recommended a specific specialist, specify the cost and format of reception (in person/online).
For people on a budget, subsidized sessions are available through public health clinics and Medicare.
5. Build a crisis response plan
Alarms: Articulate your personal "triggers" (e.g., going to close betting spots, stressful situations).
Emergency algorithm: make a step-by-step action plan in case of a strong urge to play:
6. Involve loved ones in support
Frank conversation
Share key findings after the call and ask for help meeting financial and time constraints.
Joint action
Assign "control" calls to each other for the self-control report.
Instead of visiting gambling establishments, plan joint leisure activities.
7. Continue educational work
Review materials
Take online modules on Gambling Help Online: recognition of signs of relapse, impulse control techniques.
Check out the Australian Gambling Research Centre's prevention and treatment site sections.
Take courses
If possible, sign up for a short course on financial literacy and stress management.
8. Evaluate progress and adjust plan
1. Weekly analysis
Record in your diary the real costs and time spent on the gaming site.
Note the successes and difficulties, clarify the reasons for the breakdown.
2. Adjustments
If the recommendations do not work, negotiate with the operator additional measures: increased support, changes in limits, transition to inpatient treatment.
9. Set long-term goals
Medicine and psychotherapy
As you stabilize, discuss with your therapist the possibility of medication support or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Social integration
Join volunteer groups, sports clubs or charity projects to reduce time alone with risky triggers.
10. Maintain motivation
Celebrate achievements
Record any week without breaking limits as a victory.
Encourage yourself to engage in safe and enjoyable activities.
Use reason reminders
Post photos or quotes near your workplace that will inspire you to stay in control.
Comprehensive application of the advice received at the first contact, active work with resources and support for loved ones create the foundation for sustainable overcoming of gaming addiction. Follow this plan, evaluate results regularly and do not hesitate to seek help at every stage - a hotline and specialized specialists are always available.
After contacting the hotline, you have already received professional support and primary advice. Rewrite or remember:
- The main points of your personal plan are the time and money limits that you have agreed to set.
- Contact details of resellers and specialists recommended by the operator (psychologist, consultant, support group).
- Dates and format of the agreed "follow-up" - callback or online session.
2. Organize self-monitoring system
1. Set limits
Use the self-disconnect mechanism on betting platforms and gambling points.
Set daily and weekly financial limits as recommended by the operator.
2. Launch tracker applications
Download the official Gambling Help Online app or any budget program.
Enter your limits and use time-out reminders.
3. Assign the following contacts
Call back from the line: If you have agreed on a "follow-up," add the exact date and time to the calendar.
Self-consistent reminders: Put yourself on phone or mail notifications 24 to 48 hours later, then weekly for a month.
4. Connect local resources
1. Face-to-face support groups
Find the nearest affiliate of Gamblers Anonymous or similar organization in your state.
Check the schedule of meetings and make an appointment for the nearest one.
2. Psychologists and social workers
If the line operator recommended a specific specialist, specify the cost and format of reception (in person/online).
For people on a budget, subsidized sessions are available through public health clinics and Medicare.
5. Build a crisis response plan
Alarms: Articulate your personal "triggers" (e.g., going to close betting spots, stressful situations).
Emergency algorithm: make a step-by-step action plan in case of a strong urge to play:
- 1. Call back the hotline (1800 858 858).
- 2. Write to a trusted person or mentor from the support team.
- 3. Take up an alternative occupation - sports, hobbies, social activity.
6. Involve loved ones in support
Frank conversation
Share key findings after the call and ask for help meeting financial and time constraints.
Joint action
Assign "control" calls to each other for the self-control report.
Instead of visiting gambling establishments, plan joint leisure activities.
7. Continue educational work
Review materials
Take online modules on Gambling Help Online: recognition of signs of relapse, impulse control techniques.
Check out the Australian Gambling Research Centre's prevention and treatment site sections.
Take courses
If possible, sign up for a short course on financial literacy and stress management.
8. Evaluate progress and adjust plan
1. Weekly analysis
Record in your diary the real costs and time spent on the gaming site.
Note the successes and difficulties, clarify the reasons for the breakdown.
2. Adjustments
If the recommendations do not work, negotiate with the operator additional measures: increased support, changes in limits, transition to inpatient treatment.
9. Set long-term goals
Medicine and psychotherapy
As you stabilize, discuss with your therapist the possibility of medication support or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Social integration
Join volunteer groups, sports clubs or charity projects to reduce time alone with risky triggers.
10. Maintain motivation
Celebrate achievements
Record any week without breaking limits as a victory.
Encourage yourself to engage in safe and enjoyable activities.
Use reason reminders
Post photos or quotes near your workplace that will inspire you to stay in control.
Comprehensive application of the advice received at the first contact, active work with resources and support for loved ones create the foundation for sustainable overcoming of gaming addiction. Follow this plan, evaluate results regularly and do not hesitate to seek help at every stage - a hotline and specialized specialists are always available.
