Noticing how your friend or relative is dependent on gaming or gambling is painful. Still, that does not mean you cannot assist them in returning to reality. Here is a checklist of actions to ensure your close person feels better shortly!
1. Research Games That Person Loves to Start a Deep Conversation
Gambling
Never start the conversation with condemnation — that will avert the person from sharing their interests with you. Instead, scan websites like Joo Casino Aussie and look at the top picks for gamblers.
No wonder some people cannot help spinning those bright slots with a storyline! You can even try playing in the demo mode to comprehend what gambling fans find in those games. Many top casinos support the responsible gaming principle and let visitors enjoy those games for free. Hence, you will not spend a cent but will grip the chance to feel how your friend or relative replenishes their energy with that entertainment.
Gaming
Recall what game genres your problematic person prefers. Is that fantasy? Play or watch gamers enjoy Skyrim on YouTube. Maybe, your friend/relative loves challenging games? Checking out Dark Souls is the first action you take. Are those shooters? Looking at things like Doom, Serious Sam, and Crysis suffices. If your friend/relative loves sandboxes like the Sims or Minecraft, find resembling games and study them to start the dialogue with a positive tone.
2. Still Let Them Play but in a Limited Mode
Gambling
The second step is critical: you mustn’t forbid an addicted person to do what they love. Denial will only make the situation worse! Instead, let them gamble but under your supervision.
For instance, you can set up a joint account at an online casino and replenish it with $20 per week. Help your friend understand that this is the only amount they can spend playing slots or table games.
Gaming
The same strategy works for gaming addiction. Set some limits with your friend: how many hours a day/week can they play? What types of games are allowed? You can also find a balance by letting them play with their favorite titles but requiring them to do some chores before starting the session.
3. Get Involved in Their Hobbies
Gambling
It is essential to make your friend feel comfortable discussing their gambling addiction with you. That is only achievable if you become involved in what they love doing. Hence, I suggest playing some online games together.
Gaming
You can also offer to play their favorite single-player games with them. Besides, such activity will let you spend some quality time together!
4. Lure them Into Doing Some New Things Together
Gambling
Addicts are often too focused on their gambling activities and forget about other spheres of life. Remember that it gives them the serotonin they lack in the physical world. Hence, it is up to you to find a new hobby for both of you!
You can start visiting concerts or going out more often. Another option is playing casino games in the physical dimension. For instance, ask them to teach you to play Blackjack and play for fun, but switch their attention to another activity after five-seven rounds.
Gaming
The same principle works here: find something your friend will love doing as much as they love gaming. Shopping is an option, but not the standard one. Instead, offer to visit a geek shop to look at cool figurines and trinkets, but do not take money with you to ensure you do not spend and “feed” their addiction to alternative universes.
5. Help Them Minimize the Detriments and Seek Help from Specialists
Regardless of their choice (gaming or gambling), ensure that you are consistent with your actions to minimize their addiction. Get ready for situations when your close person continues playing. Even if they are glued to their PC for three hours instead of five, that is significant progress. Do not forget about the following:
- Help them find a hobby to distract from gambling/gaming thoughts;
- Engage them with different activities that boost serotonin;
- Do not criticize them and say bad things about their hobby;
- Do not blame them for being addicted to something that brings them positive emotions;
- Teach them time and money management discreetly.
When there is progress, you may attempt to find a specialist who will work with them more profoundly. Some options are BeGambleAware and the National Helpline, but other organizations help people free themselves from the curse of addiction.
Final Words
Gambling and gaming addiction are real problems that should not be underestimated. These activities give people the serotonin they lack in their lives, which is why it is so difficult to give them up. Nevertheless, it is possible to persuade addicted gamers or gamblers to change their ways if you use the right approach and do not make them feel guilty about their hobby.
Show support, get involved in their activities, and help them find a replacement for what they are addicted to. Finally, do not forget to consult with specialists if needed.
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