Personal Hotline Recovery Plan

Introduction

A personal recovery plan is a structured set of activities that you discuss and record with a hotline advisor. Such a plan helps to move from crisis to control, combining technical, behavioral and social measures.

Step 1. First contact and assessment of the situation

1. Call 1800 858 858 (Gamblers Help) or 13 11 14 (Lifeline).

2. Short survey: frequency of bets, loss amounts, emotional state, debt burden.

3. Self-diagnosis: the consultant will offer to take the online PGSI test or verbally ask the key questions from the DSM-5.

4. Goal formation: you, together with the consultant, define one main request ("reduce costs," "stop mindless play").

Step 2. Set up immediate RG tools

1. Financial limits

Deposit and loss limit in the casino's personal account (for example, 50 AUD per day).

2. Time-out and reality checks

Timeout 30 minutes and reminders every 20 minutes with expense data.

3. Technical blockers

Installation of Gamban or BetBlocker; MCC blocking in the bank (regarding codes 7932/7995).

4. Self-exception

Prepare a local self-exclusion or an application to the BetStop national registry (the consultant will run through the form).

Step 3. Behavioral and psychological measures

1. Self-observation diary

Recording emotions, triggers, time and bet amounts.

2. "Reframing" technique

Reformulation of thoughts: "I did not lose, but checked the limits."

3. Emotional anchors

Simple breathing exercises (4-7-8) if you want to play.

4. Connection of the "controller"

The trustee receives notifications of attempts to replenish or exceed the game time.

Step 4. Social and professional support

1. Follow-up calls

Arrange two follow-up contacts in 3 and 7 days.

2. Group sessions

Recording with Gamblers Anonymous or family band Gam-Anon.

3. Video consultations

Schedule a series of 3-5 video sessions with a psychologist via Gambling Help Online.

4. Financial Advisor

In the direction from the line - a meeting with an accredited specialist of Financial Counseling Australia.

Step 5. Long-term monitoring and adjustment

1. Repeat tests

PGSI every 3 months to assess progress.

2. Plan revision

Quarterly review of limits, timeout and diary with consultant.

3. Preventive webinars

Participation in monthly lessons in cognitive techniques and budgeting.

4. Peer-support

Regular communication with a volunteer tutor who has gone through addiction.

Conclusion

An individual recovery plan, drawn up together with a hotline, combines technical barriers, psychological techniques and social support. A clear structure - from the first call to long-term monitoring - will help maintain control, reduce the risk of relapse and restore quality of life.