Support from family and friends for addiction
Introduction
Game addiction destroys not only the life of the player himself, but also the atmosphere in the family, the trust of friends and financial stability. Proper support for loved ones, combined with professional intervention, significantly increases the chance of recovery. Here is a specific instruction for relatives and friends on how to act in each situation.
1. Problem recognition
1. Behavior observation
Constant calls and messages about "quick bets."
Concealing transaction history and expense lies.
Emotional swings: annoyance after losses and euphoria from rare winnings.
2. Collecting facts
Dates and amounts of major losses.
Frequency of attempts to hide the game (change devices, accounts).
Impact on the family budget (late payments, loans).
2. Preparing for a conversation
1. Timing and location
Calm atmosphere, minimal distractions.
When a player is sober and not under a lot of emotional pressure.
2. Empathy and self-messaging
Use phrases: "I worry when I see...," "It's hard for me to observe...."
Avoid "you-messages" ("you always...," "you never...") so as not to cause a defensive reaction.
3. Conducting a dialogue
1. Opening the topic
"I want to talk about what's bothering me..."
Summarize the facts without the allegations.
2. Active listening
Paraphrase: "Do I understand correctly how you feel...?"
Let speak out and confirm what you hear: "Thank you for sharing"
3. Expressions of support
'I'm there and I want to help'
"We can do it together, let's find a solution"
4. Propose concrete steps
Technical access blocking (BetStop, Gamban).
Access to hotlines: Gambler's Help 1800 858 858, Lifeline 13 11 14.
Visiting Gamblers Anonymous groups or online meetings.
4. Organization of support system
1. Joint Action Plan
Weekly "control" meetings: discuss successes and difficulties.
Keeping a diary: record emerging desires to play and alternative solutions.
2. Role distribution
One person is responsible for checking technical interlocks.
Another - organizes alternative activities (sports, walks, hobbies).
The third - supports emotionally, conducts "check-ins" on well-being.
3. Replacing habits
Fill the time of previous bets with joint affairs: culinary experiments, board games, volunteering.
Maintain new hobbies together to reduce isolation.
5. Working with resistance
1. Acceptance of rejection
If a player radically rejects help, stay calm: "I understand that now you are not ready... I'll be right there."
2. Soft reinforcement
Encourage the slightest success: "I'm proud you didn't go to the site yesterday."
3. Unobtrusive reminder
Send links to short videos or articles about real recovery stories.
6. Involving professionals
1. Psychologist or psychotherapist
Recording through public services (Medicare sessions) or private centers.
Family counseling to restore trust.
2. Financial Advisor
Contacting the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) to draw up a debt repayment plan.
3. Support groups
Gamblers Anonymous: Information and schedule of meetings on the GA Australia website.
Peer-support online forums at VRGF and Gambler's Help.
7. Sustaining long-term change
1. Regular "check-ins"
Daily short calls or player status messages.
Weekly family diary report.
2. Financial monitoring
View bank statements together (with player consent).
Automatic notifications when a transaction is attempted on gambling platforms.
3. Celebrate milestones
1 week without bets, 1 month, 3 months - celebrate together: small joint events without spending on excitement.
Conclusion
Supporting family and friends is a powerful resource on the road to recovery from gambling addiction. A clear communication plan, distribution of roles, regular monitoring of progress and involvement of professional services create a safe environment where a person feels care, not condemnation. Together, you are able not only to interrupt the bet-loss-dogon cycle, but also to restore trust, financial stability and harmony in relations.
Game addiction destroys not only the life of the player himself, but also the atmosphere in the family, the trust of friends and financial stability. Proper support for loved ones, combined with professional intervention, significantly increases the chance of recovery. Here is a specific instruction for relatives and friends on how to act in each situation.
1. Problem recognition
1. Behavior observation
Constant calls and messages about "quick bets."
Concealing transaction history and expense lies.
Emotional swings: annoyance after losses and euphoria from rare winnings.
2. Collecting facts
Dates and amounts of major losses.
Frequency of attempts to hide the game (change devices, accounts).
Impact on the family budget (late payments, loans).
2. Preparing for a conversation
1. Timing and location
Calm atmosphere, minimal distractions.
When a player is sober and not under a lot of emotional pressure.
2. Empathy and self-messaging
Use phrases: "I worry when I see...," "It's hard for me to observe...."
Avoid "you-messages" ("you always...," "you never...") so as not to cause a defensive reaction.
3. Conducting a dialogue
1. Opening the topic
"I want to talk about what's bothering me..."
Summarize the facts without the allegations.
2. Active listening
Paraphrase: "Do I understand correctly how you feel...?"
Let speak out and confirm what you hear: "Thank you for sharing"
3. Expressions of support
'I'm there and I want to help'
"We can do it together, let's find a solution"
4. Propose concrete steps
Technical access blocking (BetStop, Gamban).
Access to hotlines: Gambler's Help 1800 858 858, Lifeline 13 11 14.
Visiting Gamblers Anonymous groups or online meetings.
4. Organization of support system
1. Joint Action Plan
Weekly "control" meetings: discuss successes and difficulties.
Keeping a diary: record emerging desires to play and alternative solutions.
2. Role distribution
One person is responsible for checking technical interlocks.
Another - organizes alternative activities (sports, walks, hobbies).
The third - supports emotionally, conducts "check-ins" on well-being.
3. Replacing habits
Fill the time of previous bets with joint affairs: culinary experiments, board games, volunteering.
Maintain new hobbies together to reduce isolation.
5. Working with resistance
1. Acceptance of rejection
If a player radically rejects help, stay calm: "I understand that now you are not ready... I'll be right there."
2. Soft reinforcement
Encourage the slightest success: "I'm proud you didn't go to the site yesterday."
3. Unobtrusive reminder
Send links to short videos or articles about real recovery stories.
6. Involving professionals
1. Psychologist or psychotherapist
Recording through public services (Medicare sessions) or private centers.
Family counseling to restore trust.
2. Financial Advisor
Contacting the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) to draw up a debt repayment plan.
3. Support groups
Gamblers Anonymous: Information and schedule of meetings on the GA Australia website.
Peer-support online forums at VRGF and Gambler's Help.
7. Sustaining long-term change
1. Regular "check-ins"
Daily short calls or player status messages.
Weekly family diary report.
2. Financial monitoring
View bank statements together (with player consent).
Automatic notifications when a transaction is attempted on gambling platforms.
3. Celebrate milestones
1 week without bets, 1 month, 3 months - celebrate together: small joint events without spending on excitement.
Conclusion
Supporting family and friends is a powerful resource on the road to recovery from gambling addiction. A clear communication plan, distribution of roles, regular monitoring of progress and involvement of professional services create a safe environment where a person feels care, not condemnation. Together, you are able not only to interrupt the bet-loss-dogon cycle, but also to restore trust, financial stability and harmony in relations.
