How to tell loved ones about your problem
Why it is important to open
Recognizing the problem is the first step to solving it: you relieve the pressure of secrecy and shame.
Creating a support - loved ones will become your emotional and practical support.
Strengthening responsibility - by sharing your intentions with someone, you increase motivation and discipline.
Preparing for a conversation
1. A clear goal: determine what you want to achieve: emotional support, help in limiting access to games or jointly finding a solution.
2. Fact-taking: Record the amount of time and money spent playing, the emotional fallout and trying to cope on your own.
3. Choosing the right time and place: dimmed light, no strangers and haste - it is important that no one distracts and the conversation is not interrupted.
Conversation structure
How to formulate thoughts
1. "I-messages" instead of accusations ("I feel...," "It's hard for me...," and not "You never...," "You always...").
2. Specifics and numbers: "I put 500 UAH daily," "I felt anxious at night."
3. Avoiding excuses and "buts": "I was wrong and ready not to repeat," "I am ashamed, but..." reduces trust.
4. Call for dialogue: "What do you think about it? , ""What help could you provide? ».
Working with the reaction of the interlocutor
Listen actively: let speak, ask clarifying questions, repeat what you heard in your own words.
Managing emotions: If a loved one is upset or angry, acknowledge their feelings: "I understand it hurts you to hear it."
Flexibility: Be prepared for different reactions - from support to shock and anger. Don't expect the perfect attitude all at once.
Shifting focus to solution: After an emotional peak, return to practical steps: "What can we do together? ».
Support form suggestions
1. Co-scheduling: Set rules (hour without phone, blocking sites).
2. Daily "check-ins": Short messages in the morning/evening about how you are feeling.
3. Emergency signal: a conditional gesture or word for a signal of a strong desire to play.
4. Joint activity: walks, hobbies, timing of alternative things instead of playing.
What to do after a conversation
Recording of agreements: record in the general document or notes the achieved decisions and obligations.
Regular reports: discuss progress once a week - what happened, where there were difficulties.
Adjust strategy: Make changes to your support plan based on feedback and your well-being.
Psychological help: if the conversation has led to a crisis of trust, contact a specialist - a psychotherapist or a support group.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Intro too long. Stick to key facts and feelings, avoid unnecessary details.
Untimely. Talking "in grief" or haste leads to resentment and misunderstanding.
No query. Do not ask for "just to understand" - specifically voice what kind of help you are waiting for.
Ignoring feedback. Do not insist if the loved one is not ready right away: agree on a second conversation.
Conclusion
An honest conversation about online casino addiction is the key to breaking the cycle. Competent training, clear structure, flexibility in communication and coordinated support steps create a solid foundation for your recovery. Make this conversation the first and most important action on the road to freedom from play.
Recognizing the problem is the first step to solving it: you relieve the pressure of secrecy and shame.
Creating a support - loved ones will become your emotional and practical support.
Strengthening responsibility - by sharing your intentions with someone, you increase motivation and discipline.
Preparing for a conversation
1. A clear goal: determine what you want to achieve: emotional support, help in limiting access to games or jointly finding a solution.
2. Fact-taking: Record the amount of time and money spent playing, the emotional fallout and trying to cope on your own.
3. Choosing the right time and place: dimmed light, no strangers and haste - it is important that no one distracts and the conversation is not interrupted.
Conversation structure
| Stage | Table of Contents |
|---|---|
| Introduction | "I need to talk to you about something important" |
| Description of facts | "Over the past month I lost X hours and Y hryvnia" |
| Recognition | "I understand this is a problem and want to stop" |
| Request | "I need your support and understanding" |
| Agreement | "Let's discuss how you can help and when it is better to remind" |
How to formulate thoughts
1. "I-messages" instead of accusations ("I feel...," "It's hard for me...," and not "You never...," "You always...").
2. Specifics and numbers: "I put 500 UAH daily," "I felt anxious at night."
3. Avoiding excuses and "buts": "I was wrong and ready not to repeat," "I am ashamed, but..." reduces trust.
4. Call for dialogue: "What do you think about it? , ""What help could you provide? ».
Working with the reaction of the interlocutor
Listen actively: let speak, ask clarifying questions, repeat what you heard in your own words.
Managing emotions: If a loved one is upset or angry, acknowledge their feelings: "I understand it hurts you to hear it."
Flexibility: Be prepared for different reactions - from support to shock and anger. Don't expect the perfect attitude all at once.
Shifting focus to solution: After an emotional peak, return to practical steps: "What can we do together? ».
Support form suggestions
1. Co-scheduling: Set rules (hour without phone, blocking sites).
2. Daily "check-ins": Short messages in the morning/evening about how you are feeling.
3. Emergency signal: a conditional gesture or word for a signal of a strong desire to play.
4. Joint activity: walks, hobbies, timing of alternative things instead of playing.
What to do after a conversation
Recording of agreements: record in the general document or notes the achieved decisions and obligations.
Regular reports: discuss progress once a week - what happened, where there were difficulties.
Adjust strategy: Make changes to your support plan based on feedback and your well-being.
Psychological help: if the conversation has led to a crisis of trust, contact a specialist - a psychotherapist or a support group.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Intro too long. Stick to key facts and feelings, avoid unnecessary details.
Untimely. Talking "in grief" or haste leads to resentment and misunderstanding.
No query. Do not ask for "just to understand" - specifically voice what kind of help you are waiting for.
Ignoring feedback. Do not insist if the loved one is not ready right away: agree on a second conversation.
Conclusion
An honest conversation about online casino addiction is the key to breaking the cycle. Competent training, clear structure, flexibility in communication and coordinated support steps create a solid foundation for your recovery. Make this conversation the first and most important action on the road to freedom from play.
