What to do if the addict refuses to contact
Introduction
The dependent's refusal to acknowledge the problem is part of the game's pattern. Until he is ready to call himself, you can act on his behalf and create external barriers to prevent further losses. Below is a step-by-step plan without empty phrases.
1. Talking tactics
1. Choosing the moment: not in the midst of a quarrel and not immediately after a major loss - calmly, without reproaches.
2. I-messages: "I am worried about our financial situation," instead of "You lost again."
3. Listen without judgment: Let speak out, acknowledging feelings but not actions.
4. Offering an alternative: "Let's call the hotline together, just clarify the information."
2. Protect your own resources
1. Separate finances: transfer the family budget to a separate card, close joint loans.
2. MCC block: Ask the bank to block gambling categories (7932, 7995).
3. Technical filters: install Gamban or BetBlocker on all dependent devices (only you give the password).
3. Calling the hotline on your behalf
1. Gamblers Help: call the 1800 858 858, say that you are a parent/partner, describe the behavior of the addict.
2. Lifeline: If you have a severe emotional crisis, call 13 11 14 - get advice on support and stabilization.
3. What to request: an algorithm for motivating a dependent, a list of resources and scripts for conversation, recommendations for RG tools.
4. Self-exclusion and non-player limits
1. Self-exclusion via BetStop: complete the application on the BetStop website (hotline consultant will explain the procedure).
2. Local self-exclusion: go to the casino's personal account under the dependent's account (if the data is known) and issue a ban for 3-12 months.
3. Setting limits: through your access to his personal account, set a zero deposit limit and loss-limit.
5. Social support and supervision
1. Close supervisor: Assign a friend or relative who will check for changes to settings.
2. Family support groups: Gam-Anon (parents and partners) - weekly anonymous meetings.
3. Observation diary: record changes in behavior and the reaction of the addict to restrictions.
6. Long-term plan
1. Follow-up with hotline: Call again in 3-7 days for strategy adjustments.
2. Search for professional therapy: at the first sign of readiness, make an appointment with a psychologist.
3. Self-support: Don't forget your own rest and burnout counselling (Lifeline, family psychologist).
Conclusion
When the addict refuses to call himself, act you: talking in a soft key, protecting shared resources, contacting hotlines on your behalf and applying self-exclusion programs. Clear boundaries and the support of the "controller" will help keep the situation until the moment when he himself wants to get help.
The dependent's refusal to acknowledge the problem is part of the game's pattern. Until he is ready to call himself, you can act on his behalf and create external barriers to prevent further losses. Below is a step-by-step plan without empty phrases.
1. Talking tactics
1. Choosing the moment: not in the midst of a quarrel and not immediately after a major loss - calmly, without reproaches.
2. I-messages: "I am worried about our financial situation," instead of "You lost again."
3. Listen without judgment: Let speak out, acknowledging feelings but not actions.
4. Offering an alternative: "Let's call the hotline together, just clarify the information."
2. Protect your own resources
1. Separate finances: transfer the family budget to a separate card, close joint loans.
2. MCC block: Ask the bank to block gambling categories (7932, 7995).
3. Technical filters: install Gamban or BetBlocker on all dependent devices (only you give the password).
3. Calling the hotline on your behalf
1. Gamblers Help: call the 1800 858 858, say that you are a parent/partner, describe the behavior of the addict.
2. Lifeline: If you have a severe emotional crisis, call 13 11 14 - get advice on support and stabilization.
3. What to request: an algorithm for motivating a dependent, a list of resources and scripts for conversation, recommendations for RG tools.
4. Self-exclusion and non-player limits
1. Self-exclusion via BetStop: complete the application on the BetStop website (hotline consultant will explain the procedure).
2. Local self-exclusion: go to the casino's personal account under the dependent's account (if the data is known) and issue a ban for 3-12 months.
3. Setting limits: through your access to his personal account, set a zero deposit limit and loss-limit.
5. Social support and supervision
1. Close supervisor: Assign a friend or relative who will check for changes to settings.
2. Family support groups: Gam-Anon (parents and partners) - weekly anonymous meetings.
3. Observation diary: record changes in behavior and the reaction of the addict to restrictions.
6. Long-term plan
1. Follow-up with hotline: Call again in 3-7 days for strategy adjustments.
2. Search for professional therapy: at the first sign of readiness, make an appointment with a psychologist.
3. Self-support: Don't forget your own rest and burnout counselling (Lifeline, family psychologist).
Conclusion
When the addict refuses to call himself, act you: talking in a soft key, protecting shared resources, contacting hotlines on your behalf and applying self-exclusion programs. Clear boundaries and the support of the "controller" will help keep the situation until the moment when he himself wants to get help.
