How to tell loved ones about your decision
Introduction
An open conversation about self-exclusion strengthens support, reduces guilt and gives an additional level of responsibility. In order for it to be productive, it is important to carefully prepare and follow a clear scheme.
1. Preparing for a conversation
1. Face choice: identify one or two of the most reliable people (partner, parent, close friend).
2. Time and place: Agree on a relaxed environment without distractions (home living room, walk in the park).
3. Goal: formulate two or three key thoughts in your head: why you are doing this, what is the period of self-exclusion, what specific support you expect.
2. Statement of substance
1. I-messages: "I made the decision to block access to the casino because I want to..."
2. Specifics: "I registered with BetStop for 6 months" or "in the casino's personal account I turned on self-exclusion for a year."
3. Expected result: "It is important for me not to break down and feel your support and control."
3. Answers to possible questions
1. "Why not moonshine?" → "I have already tried limits and timeouts, but this was not enough."
2. "What will happen to finances?" → "I withdrew all funds in advance and transferred the balance to a separate account under your control."
3. "Can we agree?" → "This is a last resort, the best way to protect me now."
4. Support arrangements
1. Buddy-system: "I ask you to request my report once a day - is there a desire to play how I feel."
2. Financial control: "I transfer all game money to a card under your limit and SMS notification."
3. Technical barriers: "You keep the Gamban password - the only way to unlock it."
5. Further reports and feedback
1. Check-in plan: agree on the format (SMS, call, meeting) and frequency of reports (daily, once a week).
2. Exchange of sensations: with each "check" briefly record your mood, triggers and successes.
3. Support adjustment: at the end of the month - together evaluate what works and what needs to be strengthened (increase pauses, change barriers).
Conclusion
Clear preparation, clear language and structured arrangements create the basis for sustained support and accountability. Such a conversation turns loved ones into reliable control partners and reduces the risk of relapse.
An open conversation about self-exclusion strengthens support, reduces guilt and gives an additional level of responsibility. In order for it to be productive, it is important to carefully prepare and follow a clear scheme.
1. Preparing for a conversation
1. Face choice: identify one or two of the most reliable people (partner, parent, close friend).
2. Time and place: Agree on a relaxed environment without distractions (home living room, walk in the park).
3. Goal: formulate two or three key thoughts in your head: why you are doing this, what is the period of self-exclusion, what specific support you expect.
2. Statement of substance
1. I-messages: "I made the decision to block access to the casino because I want to..."
2. Specifics: "I registered with BetStop for 6 months" or "in the casino's personal account I turned on self-exclusion for a year."
3. Expected result: "It is important for me not to break down and feel your support and control."
3. Answers to possible questions
1. "Why not moonshine?" → "I have already tried limits and timeouts, but this was not enough."
2. "What will happen to finances?" → "I withdrew all funds in advance and transferred the balance to a separate account under your control."
3. "Can we agree?" → "This is a last resort, the best way to protect me now."
4. Support arrangements
1. Buddy-system: "I ask you to request my report once a day - is there a desire to play how I feel."
2. Financial control: "I transfer all game money to a card under your limit and SMS notification."
3. Technical barriers: "You keep the Gamban password - the only way to unlock it."
5. Further reports and feedback
1. Check-in plan: agree on the format (SMS, call, meeting) and frequency of reports (daily, once a week).
2. Exchange of sensations: with each "check" briefly record your mood, triggers and successes.
3. Support adjustment: at the end of the month - together evaluate what works and what needs to be strengthened (increase pauses, change barriers).
Conclusion
Clear preparation, clear language and structured arrangements create the basis for sustained support and accountability. Such a conversation turns loved ones into reliable control partners and reduces the risk of relapse.
