Hotline and support at different stages of addiction

1. Initial warning signals

Symptoms: Growing concern about betting, thinking about playing in your spare time, trying to "win back."
Role of the line: providing information on early measures: self-monitoring, setting limits and a test of self-assessment of risk on the Gambling Help Online website.
Action for the user: call immediately at the first warning signs, even if at the moment the damage is insignificant.

2. Formation of regular behavior

Symptoms: daily or almost daily rates, secrecy in front of loved ones, irregular sleep.
Role of the line: primary psychological assessment (screening), self-switching recommendations, and redirection to free online CBT modulars.
Action for the user: go through an online chat consultation, get a step-by-step plan of restrictions and agree on a follow-up.

3. Increased dependence and crisis

Symptoms: financial debts, job loss, suicidal thoughts, acute emotional crisis.
Role of the line: emergency psychological support, suicidal risk assessment, immediate routing to emergency services (000) or hospital.
Action for the user: call without waiting in line, describe in detail your thoughts and emotions, agree on an immediate plan for safe care from a crisis situation.

4. Initiation and active treatment

Line role: coordinating with licensed psychologists and psychiatrists on Medicare referral, providing a list of Gamblers Anonymous groups.
Action for the user: use the contacts of specialists from the hotline to record for face-to-face or video sessions, prepare a history of your own attempts and triggers.

5. Support during rehabilitation

The role of the line: regular follow-up calls (after 24-48 hours, then weekly) to control the dynamics, adapting recommendations as the urge decreases.
Action for the user: record successes and difficulties in the diary, promptly report recurrent thoughts to the operator.

6. Relapse prevention

Role of the line: providing additional materials on stress management, distraction techniques, training webinars.
Action for the user: connect to the reminder chatbot, complete self-learning modules and participate in online support groups.

7. Working with loved ones and environment

The role of the line: consultations for relatives and friends - how to maintain altered behavior, recognize "triggers" and respond to signs of a breakdown.
Action for the user: involve proxies in joint calls to develop a family support plan.

8. Integration with local services

Line role: Referral to Regional Care Centres (VIC, NSW, etc.), providing access to free financial counselling and family therapy programs.
Action for the user: when calling, clarify the nearest office and sign up for face-to-face meetings.

9. Long-term control and reporting

The role of the line: collecting statistics of appeals, the level of satisfaction and achievement of KPI, which allows you to adjust the national strategy of the responsible game.
Action for the user: participate in surveys of anonymous feedback and leave suggestions for improving the service.

10. Conclusion

The 1800 858 858 hotline is a universal resource that changes its tactics depending on the stage of dependence: from early prevention and crisis intervention to support in rehabilitation and relapse prevention. A timely call at any stage guarantees a clear plan of action, professional support and tools for sustainable recovery.