Psychological help for addiction
1. Why professional support is needed
Gambling addiction is not just a bad habit, but a mental disorder with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Independent attempts to "just stop playing" are rarely successful due to deep cognitive mistakes and emotional triggers.
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Methods:
3. Motivational interviewing
Challenge: Increase intrinsic motivation for change through open questions and reflection.
Techniques:
4. Family and pair therapy
The goal: to restore trust, establish communication and work out the injuries underlying addiction.
Formats:
5. Self-help groups
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): 12-step programme, anonymous meetings across Australia and online groups.
Smart Recovery: Focus on self-control skills, cognitive behavioural techniques and support through facilitators and like-minded individuals.
6. Telemedicine and online therapy
Better Access Scheme: Medicare-rebate for counseling with a psychologist (up to 10 sessions per year).
Online counseling: Beyond Blue and Gamblers Help Online platforms offer video sessions and chat consultations around the clock.
7. Government and non-profit resources
Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858): free psychological support, referral to face-to-face and online programs.
Lifeline (13 11 14): emergency assistance for crisis states.
Family and Friends of Gamblers: support groups for relatives.
8. How to choose a specialist
1. APS accreditation: Australian Psychological Society, specialising in problem gambling.
2. Experience and feedback: clarify whether psychologists work with gambling addiction, request examples of methods and success.
3. Convenient format: face-to-face meetings nearby or online sessions on schedule.
Conclusion
Psychological help for gaming addiction is a multi-layered process involving CBT, motivational interviews, family counseling, and group support. The combination of professional sessions, government funding programs and self-help communities provides a reliable support system for Australians seeking to take back control of their lives.
Gambling addiction is not just a bad habit, but a mental disorder with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Independent attempts to "just stop playing" are rarely successful due to deep cognitive mistakes and emotional triggers.
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Methods:
- Diary of thoughts and bets: recording emotions and situations that provoke the game.
- Behavioural experimentation: Gradually reducing time and stakes with controlled risk.
- Duration: 8-12 sessions of 50-60 minutes.
3. Motivational interviewing
Challenge: Increase intrinsic motivation for change through open questions and reflection.
Techniques:
- Talking about values: what matters to you (family, work) and how play affects those values.
- Identification of ambivalence: to talk "for" and "against" the game, to strengthen the decision to refuse.
4. Family and pair therapy
The goal: to restore trust, establish communication and work out the injuries underlying addiction.
Formats:
- Family sessions: participants - partner, parents, adult children.
- Group therapy: Support from other families facing the same challenge.
- The result: building healthy boundaries, shared decision-making skills and mutual support.
5. Self-help groups
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): 12-step programme, anonymous meetings across Australia and online groups.
Smart Recovery: Focus on self-control skills, cognitive behavioural techniques and support through facilitators and like-minded individuals.
6. Telemedicine and online therapy
Better Access Scheme: Medicare-rebate for counseling with a psychologist (up to 10 sessions per year).
Online counseling: Beyond Blue and Gamblers Help Online platforms offer video sessions and chat consultations around the clock.
7. Government and non-profit resources
Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858): free psychological support, referral to face-to-face and online programs.
Lifeline (13 11 14): emergency assistance for crisis states.
Family and Friends of Gamblers: support groups for relatives.
8. How to choose a specialist
1. APS accreditation: Australian Psychological Society, specialising in problem gambling.
2. Experience and feedback: clarify whether psychologists work with gambling addiction, request examples of methods and success.
3. Convenient format: face-to-face meetings nearby or online sessions on schedule.
Conclusion
Psychological help for gaming addiction is a multi-layered process involving CBT, motivational interviews, family counseling, and group support. The combination of professional sessions, government funding programs and self-help communities provides a reliable support system for Australians seeking to take back control of their lives.
