How to talk to a loved one about his problem game
Introduction
It is difficult to talk with loved ones about problems with excitement: fear of spoiling relationships or causing a protective reaction often slows down the willingness to act. Meanwhile, timely dialogue is key for a person to feel your care and seek help. In this guide - only specifics: from preparation to support after a conversation.
1. Recognizing conversation triggers
Fatigue and isolation: a person refuses to meet, becomes withdrawn.
Frequent excuses: "I just check the strategy," "later returned to the topic."
Emotional outbursts: irritation at the mention of money, anxiety or aggressiveness.
Stealth: Deletes browser history or hides your phone screen when you appear.
2. Preparing for a conversation
1. Collecting facts
Record specific episodes: dates, amounts, emotional state after the game.
2. Target selection
Not to blame, but to express support: "I am worried and want to help."
3. Create a safe space
Choose a neutral place where no one will distract and eavesdrop.
3. Opening the dialogue
1. Beginning with "self-messages"
"I noticed that...," "I'm worried..."
2. Clear formulation of the problem
'You spend a few hours a day betting in recent weeks and I see how it affects your sleep and mood.'
3. Request for dialogue
4. Active listening
Rephrase and refine
"Did I get it right how you feel...?"
Empathy without a solution
"I understand how hard it can be to stop after losing."
Silence as a tool
Allow time to process what has been said and wait for a pause before proceeding.
5. Avoid accusations and dummy tips
Don't say "you always" or "you never"
Don't use ultimatums
"Either you throw, or..." leads to a closure.
Give up lectures
Long "instructive" monologues only distance.
6. Offering specific assistance
1. Technical measures
"I will help you register with BetStop and install Gamban."
2. Organization of support
"Let's sign up for a consultation at Gambler's Help" (1800 858 858).
3. Alternative activities
"Let's play sports together or go to an exhibition instead of an evening game."
7. Working with resistance
1. Accepting a no
'I understand if you're not ready now but I want you to know - I'm there.'
2. Soft reminder
After a couple of days, call briefly: "How are you feeling after our conversation?"
3. Retry without pressure
Each "no" does not mean the end: sooner or later a person may be ready.
8. Securing support after a conversation
1. Regular "check-ins"
Weekly meetings or calls to discuss progress and complexities.
2. Shared journaling
Record days without playing, new triggers and ways to overcome them.
3. Celebrate achievements
3 days, 1 week, 1 month - arrange small incentives: walk, film, gift.
9. Involving professionals
Gamblers Anonymous Bands
Meeting information on the GA Australia website.
Hotlines and online chats
Gambler's Help (1800 858 858), GambleAware online chat.
Psychologist or psychotherapist
Free consultation through Medicare or a private clinic.
Conclusion
A sensitive and structured approach to talking about problem play avoids confrontation and preserves trust. Preparation, empathy, concrete steps and support after a conversation constitute a set of actions that helps a loved one take the first and most difficult step - to recognize the problem and start changing life for the better.
It is difficult to talk with loved ones about problems with excitement: fear of spoiling relationships or causing a protective reaction often slows down the willingness to act. Meanwhile, timely dialogue is key for a person to feel your care and seek help. In this guide - only specifics: from preparation to support after a conversation.
1. Recognizing conversation triggers
Fatigue and isolation: a person refuses to meet, becomes withdrawn.
Frequent excuses: "I just check the strategy," "later returned to the topic."
Emotional outbursts: irritation at the mention of money, anxiety or aggressiveness.
Stealth: Deletes browser history or hides your phone screen when you appear.
2. Preparing for a conversation
1. Collecting facts
Record specific episodes: dates, amounts, emotional state after the game.
2. Target selection
Not to blame, but to express support: "I am worried and want to help."
3. Create a safe space
Choose a neutral place where no one will distract and eavesdrop.
3. Opening the dialogue
1. Beginning with "self-messages"
"I noticed that...," "I'm worried..."
2. Clear formulation of the problem
'You spend a few hours a day betting in recent weeks and I see how it affects your sleep and mood.'
3. Request for dialogue
4. Active listening
Rephrase and refine
"Did I get it right how you feel...?"
Empathy without a solution
"I understand how hard it can be to stop after losing."
Silence as a tool
Allow time to process what has been said and wait for a pause before proceeding.
5. Avoid accusations and dummy tips
Don't say "you always" or "you never"
Don't use ultimatums
"Either you throw, or..." leads to a closure.
Give up lectures
Long "instructive" monologues only distance.
6. Offering specific assistance
1. Technical measures
"I will help you register with BetStop and install Gamban."
2. Organization of support
"Let's sign up for a consultation at Gambler's Help" (1800 858 858).
3. Alternative activities
"Let's play sports together or go to an exhibition instead of an evening game."
7. Working with resistance
1. Accepting a no
'I understand if you're not ready now but I want you to know - I'm there.'
2. Soft reminder
After a couple of days, call briefly: "How are you feeling after our conversation?"
3. Retry without pressure
Each "no" does not mean the end: sooner or later a person may be ready.
8. Securing support after a conversation
1. Regular "check-ins"
Weekly meetings or calls to discuss progress and complexities.
2. Shared journaling
Record days without playing, new triggers and ways to overcome them.
3. Celebrate achievements
3 days, 1 week, 1 month - arrange small incentives: walk, film, gift.
9. Involving professionals
Gamblers Anonymous Bands
Meeting information on the GA Australia website.
Hotlines and online chats
Gambler's Help (1800 858 858), GambleAware online chat.
Psychologist or psychotherapist
Free consultation through Medicare or a private clinic.
Conclusion
A sensitive and structured approach to talking about problem play avoids confrontation and preserves trust. Preparation, empathy, concrete steps and support after a conversation constitute a set of actions that helps a loved one take the first and most difficult step - to recognize the problem and start changing life for the better.
