How to Stop Gambling Addiction – Tips and Helplines for Aussies
Fighting any addiction is difficult, it is a long and all-encompassing process that requires effort, time and often money, and this is directly related to gambling addiction. Real money games have always been popular and in recent years there has been a huge growth spurt in this industry – mainly due to the growth of online platforms and applications.
Today, opportunities to gamble have increased exponentially and, consequently, the number of people who develop harmful behaviors has also increased. This is especially true in relation to Australia, where participation rates in this area and the availability of pokies online and offline are among the highest in the world.
Here you will learn more about this important topic, its main characteristics, where you can get gambling help, as well as practical advice that will help you move on to solving the problem.
What is Gambling Addiction
It is also called compulsive gambling or disorder, this is a behavioral addiction that is characterized by an uncontrollable desire to continue participating in games for money despite its negative consequences for the person himself and his environment. This is what becomes the dominant activity in life and gradually occupies all its spheres. The player does not know how to stop gambling although this almost always leads to major problems both in matters of financial stability and in mental health and in interpersonal relationships.
Here are some key characteristics for better understanding:
- constant obsessive thoughts about it (planning the next bets, experiencing recent losses or wins)
- inability to stop (all attempts to stop gambling are unsuccessful)
- chasing losses (trying to change the situation, the player finds himself in even deeper financial problems)
- deception and concealment of information (the main topic for dishonesty is how much time and money are spent on the problem gambling)
- constantly increasing the limits (usual bets no longer bring the same level of excitement and adrenaline)
attempt to escape from reality (using games to avoid solving real problems or fighting depression).
Why Gambling Addiction is a Serious Problem
It is important to understand that this process can escalate quickly, so it is needed to fight it not only for those who are directly affected by it, but also for families, friends, colleagues, and the community as a whole. More and more people around the world, and Australia in particular, need help in how to quit gambling and how to stop a gambling addiction because they cannot do it on their own.
This problem really deserves attention because it can lead to severe consequences in all areas of life:
- Financial problems. Losses, debts, lack of savings, bankruptcy. All this leads to such radical steps as selling all existing property and even involvement in illegal activities to earn money for the game.
- Emotional problems and mental health issues. Gambling addiction is always accompanied by its faithful companions – guilt, shame, anxiety, depression. It is very difficult to break out of this cycle without help.
- Breakups. It causes the collapse of relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. The individual gradually comes to complete isolation.
- Impact on work and social life. There is no energy or time left to fulfill their obligations, and the result is often dismissal, avoidance of society as a whole.
From all this it is clear that this problem is much more than just financial difficulties. It gradually destroys all aspects of a person's life, which is why gambling addiction help is of great importance.
Popular Gambling Helplines and Resources
As the number of people affected by this problem increases steadily, it is vital to provide accessible and understandable support. With the right help and complete information, players will be able to overcome their gambling addiction and regain control of their lives.
There are many resources available to anyone who requires it – for example, special gambling helplines that will help identify the problem, find affordable solutions and take the first steps.
Our team has collected several of the most popular resources that have extensive experience in combating gambling addiction worldwide.
GambleAware
This is the most famous organization in this area. It is UK-based and provides links to local support services.
Important:
- a special tool for self-assessment that helps to know the level of severity
- gambling help in the form of practical advice and detailed guides
- information for addicts and those who want to help them
- tips on how to organize self exclusion tools on websites
Official website: www.gambleaware.org
Gambling Help Online
This is a special Australian service that is funded by the government. It offers confidential support at any time and to everyone.
Important:
- gambling help line is available 24/7 in various forms
- a large number of personal stories from those who managed to overcome the problem
- a wide selection of self-help guides and tools to combat uncontrollable impulses and financial difficulties
Official website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Gamblers Anonymous
This is an international community of all those who have personally experienced the negative consequences of compulsive gambling and want to know how to stop gambling pokies.
Important:
- information about local and online meetings
- free access to literature and tools for recovery
- forum for communication in an anonymous format
Official website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Responsible Gambling
This is a non-profit organization that aims to prevent problems associated with gambling addiction. Based in Canada, provides services worldwide.
Important:
- offers various tools for training and education
- promote RG practices and awareness campaigns
- various strategies for players to set limits and restrictions
Official website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Gambling Therapy
This is a global service that provides free online help around the clock for all those who require it as a result of problem gambling.
Important:
- live support in various languages on how to stop gambling forever
- access to an active community for communication on the forum
- encouragement of stories about personal experience of users
Official website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
This is not the end of the list of available gambling help sites and resources, but it will be enough for the most important thing – to start fighting the problem. You should not suffer alone and think about whether gambling is a sin and about the fact that there is no future. Everything can always be changed for the better, and it is not at all shameful to ask for help.
In our special material “How to stop playing pokies online” we have collected practical recommendations that can help gamblers overcome their problematic situation. However, we advise, if possible, to seek professional help.
Gambling Help Websites for Aussies
Our team of Aus Pokies experts has collected several more important resources on the fight against gambling addiction specifically for Australia. All of them work on a free basis and are always ready to help anyone who needs it.
| Resource | Main features | Gambling helpline number |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation | Special prevention and early intervention programs. Focus on awareness campaigns across Victoria. | 1800 858 858 |
| Lifeline Australia | Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. | 13 11 14 |
| The Salvation Army’s MoneyCare Program | Free financial advice and consulting: help with managing debt, setting up the budget, etc. | 13 72 58 |
| Relationships Australia | Focus on helping families and relationships affected by gambling addiction, help with restoring connections. | 1300 364 277 |
FAQ
Here the answer depends on the specific religion and the analysis of all its norms and dogmas. Generally speaking, it is not encouraged and is condemned, but it is quite rarely directly called a sin and completely prohibited. The main criterion is the consequences of such acts and their scale. If it becomes problematic and leads to the violation of other norms (for example, to cheating or stealing), then it is definitely considered a sin and should be stopped as soon as possible.
The main and first step will be to admit that the problem exists. After that, it is very important to limit access to games in all possible manifestations. It is imperative to seek professional help: this can be therapy, consultations, work in groups. The following can also help:
- concentration on new activities and hobbies
- support from loved ones and complete honesty with them
- limiting access to money and other financial tricks
- working with online resources and a detailed study of the problem.
This kind of help requires a multifaceted approach and can be a long process that requires a lot of effort and time. It will take patience and empathy to avoid accusations and judgments that can cause even more harm. It is very important to provide all information about professional help and existing resources, as a person cannot cope on their own. At the same time, it is imperative to set boundaries and put your well-being first.
James Wilson
