Who is suitable for self-exclusion and when to apply it
Introduction
Self-exclusion - voluntary blocking of access to gambling. This is not a "last step," but a pre-planned measure at a growing risk. It is important to understand exactly when it is necessary so as not to reach a critical point.
1. First signs to include self-exclusion
1. Compulsive betting thoughts
- Game ideas appear daily; you catch yourself planning bets outside of leisure.
2. Breakdowns and "catching up"
- After losing, you immediately want to recoup; the negative balance is growing.
3. Budget violation
- Enter the set limits rarely, overspending has become the norm; there are delays in the account.
4. Stealth and anxiety
- Hiding bets from loved ones, anxiety due to the consequences of the game.
* If you have checked at least two points, it's time to think about self-exclusion. *
2. Advanced situations for self-exclusion
1. Repeated breakdowns after therapy
- You have already tried to limit yourself technically or psychologically - without a stable result.
2. Associated mental health problems
- Increased anxiety, depression or sleep disturbances due to play.
3. Mounting debts
- The amount of losses exceeded 10-20% of monthly income; there are debts to acquaintances or the bank.
4. Social and family conflicts
- The game has become a source of quarrels, threatens relationships in the family or at work.
* In these cases, self-exclusion is no longer "prevention," but part of therapy. *
3. Terms and types of self-exclusion
Short term (3 months)
- For those who want to quickly check their readiness for control; "probation."
Medium-term (6-12 months)
- Gives time to go through a therapy program, develop new habits and restore finances.
Long-term/lifetime
- For severe cases or those who are sure that they will not return to rates.
* The choice of the term depends on the degree of risk and personal goals to restore control. *
4. Combining self-exclusion with other measures
1. Technical barriers
- Gamban/BetBlocker on devices, DNS filters on the router.
2. Psychological support
- CBT therapy in GP direction, Gamblers Anonymous group.
3. Financial constraints
- Joint budget management, transfer of cards to a trusted person.
4. Alternative activities
- Replacing the game with hobbies, sports, volunteering to overlap the "gambling" dopamine.
* Self-exclusion is most effective as part of a comprehensive plan. *
5. When you shouldn't postpone self-exclusion
Doubts about the need
- Any hesitation "not sure whether it is worth it" reduces the chances of control and leads to further losses.
Addiction interferes with life
- If the game affects work, study, health or relationships - immediate self-exclusion connection.
* The sooner you activate lockdown, the less damage. *
Conclusion
Self-exclusion is not a "failure," but a strong and reasonable step to protect yourself from the growing risks of gambling. Apply at the first sign of loss of control, combine with psychological and financial support, choose a period that suits your needs, and act immediately.
Self-exclusion - voluntary blocking of access to gambling. This is not a "last step," but a pre-planned measure at a growing risk. It is important to understand exactly when it is necessary so as not to reach a critical point.
1. First signs to include self-exclusion
1. Compulsive betting thoughts
- Game ideas appear daily; you catch yourself planning bets outside of leisure.
2. Breakdowns and "catching up"
- After losing, you immediately want to recoup; the negative balance is growing.
3. Budget violation
- Enter the set limits rarely, overspending has become the norm; there are delays in the account.
4. Stealth and anxiety
- Hiding bets from loved ones, anxiety due to the consequences of the game.
* If you have checked at least two points, it's time to think about self-exclusion. *
2. Advanced situations for self-exclusion
1. Repeated breakdowns after therapy
- You have already tried to limit yourself technically or psychologically - without a stable result.
2. Associated mental health problems
- Increased anxiety, depression or sleep disturbances due to play.
3. Mounting debts
- The amount of losses exceeded 10-20% of monthly income; there are debts to acquaintances or the bank.
4. Social and family conflicts
- The game has become a source of quarrels, threatens relationships in the family or at work.
* In these cases, self-exclusion is no longer "prevention," but part of therapy. *
3. Terms and types of self-exclusion
Short term (3 months)
- For those who want to quickly check their readiness for control; "probation."
Medium-term (6-12 months)
- Gives time to go through a therapy program, develop new habits and restore finances.
Long-term/lifetime
- For severe cases or those who are sure that they will not return to rates.
* The choice of the term depends on the degree of risk and personal goals to restore control. *
4. Combining self-exclusion with other measures
1. Technical barriers
- Gamban/BetBlocker on devices, DNS filters on the router.
2. Psychological support
- CBT therapy in GP direction, Gamblers Anonymous group.
3. Financial constraints
- Joint budget management, transfer of cards to a trusted person.
4. Alternative activities
- Replacing the game with hobbies, sports, volunteering to overlap the "gambling" dopamine.
* Self-exclusion is most effective as part of a comprehensive plan. *
5. When you shouldn't postpone self-exclusion
Doubts about the need
- Any hesitation "not sure whether it is worth it" reduces the chances of control and leads to further losses.
Addiction interferes with life
- If the game affects work, study, health or relationships - immediate self-exclusion connection.
* The sooner you activate lockdown, the less damage. *
Conclusion
Self-exclusion is not a "failure," but a strong and reasonable step to protect yourself from the growing risks of gambling. Apply at the first sign of loss of control, combine with psychological and financial support, choose a period that suits your needs, and act immediately.
