Signs of gaming addiction: what to look out for
Introduction
Game addiction develops gradually, and in the early stages it is easy not to notice. Early diagnosis can prevent severe financial, emotional and social consequences. Here are the key features, categorized, as well as self-diagnosis tools and first steps to support.
1. Behavioral signs
1. Increased game time and frequency
Game sessions gradually lengthen, betting becomes a regular part of the day.
There is a constant desire to "be online" or be surrounded by slot machines.
2. Inability to control costs
The need to constantly increase the size of the bet to get the usual level of adrenaline.
Using all available funds - from personal savings to credit cards and loans.
3. Failed attempts to stop or shorten the game
Numerous promises to yourself to "no longer play" that are systematically broken.
Switching to a new platform or creating a "backup" account after blocking the main one.
4. Secrecy and deception of others
Hiding transaction history, deleting browser history, evading questions about transactions.
Lies to a partner, friends, colleagues regarding the volume and frequency of bets.
2. Emotional and cognitive signs
1. Constant thoughts about the game
Obsessive fantasies of a new winning bon or strategy.
"Replaying" past losses and planning "revenge" bets.
2. Mood swings
Euphoria and feeling omnipotent after winning, deep apathy and anxiety after losing.
Irritability, aggression or depressive states for no apparent reason.
3. Illusion of control and cognitive distortion
Belief in the ability to "influence" a random result (for example, "this car is warm today").
The "almost" effect: the feeling of "I was so close," stimulating the continuation of the game.
3. Financial characteristics
1. Frequent and unplanned expenses
Unexpected cash withdrawals, additional transfers of funds to game accounts.
Neglecting important expenses (bills, rent, meals) in favor of rates.
2. Loans and borrowings
Appeal to friends, relatives, microfinance organizations to replenish the bankroll.
Growth in debt and loan delinquencies due to financial losses.
3. Disposal of property
Sale of personal belongings (equipment, jewelry, car) to pay off debts or replenish the account.
4. Social and interpersonal traits
1. Conflicts and alienation
Quarrels with a partner or family members over money and time spent playing.
Isolation from friends, refusal from joint events if they interfere with play.
2. Lost productivity
Drop in academic performance or efficiency at work: lateness, failure to fulfill obligations.
3. Loss of interest in previous hobbies
Hobbies and activities that used to bring joy are replaced by play without a sense of satisfaction.
5. Physical and psychosomatic signs
1. Sleep disturbance
Sleepless nights at the monitor or in the casino, daytime sleepiness.
2. Symptoms of stress
Headaches, palpitations, muscle tension and digestive problems amid anxiety.
3. Fatigue and exhaustion
Chronic fatigue due to irregular rest and emotional strain.
6. PGSI Self Test
Five minutes of answers on the Problem Gambling Severity Index will help determine the degree of risk:
7. First steps when symptoms are detected
1. Restricting access
Enable BetStop for self-exclusion, install Gamban/BetBlocker on all devices.
2. Accessing hotlines
Gambler's Help (1800 858 858) or GambleAware online chat 24/7.
3. Record for GA meetings
Find Gamblers Anonymous administrations in your state (weekly group meetings).
4. Keeping a diary
Capture every impulse to play: time, cause, bet, result, emotion - to reveal patterns.
5. Talking to loved ones
Tell us frankly about the situation: a joint plan of restrictions will strengthen support and responsibility.
Conclusion
Problematic gaming behavior manifests itself in a combination of behavioral, emotional, financial, and social symptoms. If you have recognized at least two or three signs from different categories or scored more than 2 points on the PGSI, do not delay: access restrictions, specialist consultations and community support are the first effective measures on the road to recovery.
Game addiction develops gradually, and in the early stages it is easy not to notice. Early diagnosis can prevent severe financial, emotional and social consequences. Here are the key features, categorized, as well as self-diagnosis tools and first steps to support.
1. Behavioral signs
1. Increased game time and frequency
Game sessions gradually lengthen, betting becomes a regular part of the day.
There is a constant desire to "be online" or be surrounded by slot machines.
2. Inability to control costs
The need to constantly increase the size of the bet to get the usual level of adrenaline.
Using all available funds - from personal savings to credit cards and loans.
3. Failed attempts to stop or shorten the game
Numerous promises to yourself to "no longer play" that are systematically broken.
Switching to a new platform or creating a "backup" account after blocking the main one.
4. Secrecy and deception of others
Hiding transaction history, deleting browser history, evading questions about transactions.
Lies to a partner, friends, colleagues regarding the volume and frequency of bets.
2. Emotional and cognitive signs
1. Constant thoughts about the game
Obsessive fantasies of a new winning bon or strategy.
"Replaying" past losses and planning "revenge" bets.
2. Mood swings
Euphoria and feeling omnipotent after winning, deep apathy and anxiety after losing.
Irritability, aggression or depressive states for no apparent reason.
3. Illusion of control and cognitive distortion
Belief in the ability to "influence" a random result (for example, "this car is warm today").
The "almost" effect: the feeling of "I was so close," stimulating the continuation of the game.
3. Financial characteristics
1. Frequent and unplanned expenses
Unexpected cash withdrawals, additional transfers of funds to game accounts.
Neglecting important expenses (bills, rent, meals) in favor of rates.
2. Loans and borrowings
Appeal to friends, relatives, microfinance organizations to replenish the bankroll.
Growth in debt and loan delinquencies due to financial losses.
3. Disposal of property
Sale of personal belongings (equipment, jewelry, car) to pay off debts or replenish the account.
4. Social and interpersonal traits
1. Conflicts and alienation
Quarrels with a partner or family members over money and time spent playing.
Isolation from friends, refusal from joint events if they interfere with play.
2. Lost productivity
Drop in academic performance or efficiency at work: lateness, failure to fulfill obligations.
3. Loss of interest in previous hobbies
Hobbies and activities that used to bring joy are replaced by play without a sense of satisfaction.
5. Physical and psychosomatic signs
1. Sleep disturbance
Sleepless nights at the monitor or in the casino, daytime sleepiness.
2. Symptoms of stress
Headaches, palpitations, muscle tension and digestive problems amid anxiety.
3. Fatigue and exhaustion
Chronic fatigue due to irregular rest and emotional strain.
6. PGSI Self Test
Five minutes of answers on the Problem Gambling Severity Index will help determine the degree of risk:
- 0 points - no signs;
- 1-2 points - low risk;
- 3-7 points - moderate risk;
- 8 + points - high risk of addictive behavior.
- If the amount is 3 or more points, it is recommended to seek advice.
7. First steps when symptoms are detected
1. Restricting access
Enable BetStop for self-exclusion, install Gamban/BetBlocker on all devices.
2. Accessing hotlines
Gambler's Help (1800 858 858) or GambleAware online chat 24/7.
3. Record for GA meetings
Find Gamblers Anonymous administrations in your state (weekly group meetings).
4. Keeping a diary
Capture every impulse to play: time, cause, bet, result, emotion - to reveal patterns.
5. Talking to loved ones
Tell us frankly about the situation: a joint plan of restrictions will strengthen support and responsibility.
Conclusion
Problematic gaming behavior manifests itself in a combination of behavioral, emotional, financial, and social symptoms. If you have recognized at least two or three signs from different categories or scored more than 2 points on the PGSI, do not delay: access restrictions, specialist consultations and community support are the first effective measures on the road to recovery.
