10 signs of gaming addiction

Playing with money is a risk. The problem begins where control, finances, time, health and relationships suffer. Below are ten signs by which gaming disorder is most often recognized. Separately - what to do right away if you learned in the description of yourself or a loved one.

Ten signs

1. Loss of control

You planned "for 15 minutes" and play for hours; you promise yourself to stop and you can't. Repeated regularly.

2. Chasing a loss

After failure, there is an obsessive desire to "recoup," the stakes grow, the risk increases.

3. Time and frequency increase

There are more and more sessions, they are longer, shifted overnight; games occupy the mental "field" during the day.

4. Financial implications

Spending is over budget; debts, payday loans, late payments; use of money intended for other purposes.

5. Cover-ups and excuses

Understatement of amounts and time, deletion of history, lies to loved ones, excuses: "everyone does this," "I control."

6. Emotional swing

Irritability, anxiety, depression between sessions; euphoria on the rise - a sharp drop in mood after.

7. Problems in work/study and everyday life

Delays, reduced productivity, canceled plans, poor sleep and nutrition, ignoring basic tasks.

8. Reduced interest in other areas

Hobbies, sports, communication are leaving; thoughts swirl around the game, "how to win" strategies.

9. Increasing tolerance

The stakes and "sharpness" have to grow to get the old emotions; habitual limits seem "boring."

10. Failed attempts to "tie up"

There were attempts to shorten/stop the game - for days or weeks - followed by a breakdown and a "compensatory" marathon.

💡 One item alone does not provide a diagnosis. Assess frequency, intensity and consequences.

Express Self Test (2 minutes, yes/no, last 12 weeks)

1. Played longer/for larger amounts than planned?

2. Tried to shorten or stop the game and could not?

3. Were you returning to "recoup" after losing?

4. Had to borrow money/sell things because of the game?

5. Have there been conflicts at home/work over the game?

6. Hid amounts/time, felt guilt/shame?

7. Have you noticed a deterioration in sleep, mood, appetite?

8. Used money intended for mandatory expenses?

9. Played secretly so that "no one gets in the way"?

10. Feeling annoyed/anxious when you can't play?

Interpretation (landmark, non-diagnosis):

0-1 yes - low risk; 2-3 - increased (it's time to set limits and take a break of 7-30 days); ≥4 - high probability of a problem, it is worth contacting a specialist and activating protective measures.

"Healthy" vs "problem" game - short table

Criterion	Healthy	Problem
Budget	Fixed, in advance	Overspending, debts
Time	According to plan, with pauses	Night/long sessions, case cancellations
Control	Easy to stop	"Can't Turn Off," Chasing the Luz Streak
Transparency	Openness to loved ones	Concealment, removal of traces
Emotions	Neutral/joyful	Guilt, anxiety, irritability

What to do in the next 24-72 hours

Now (10-20 minutes):

Make mandatory monthly payments.
Turn on hard limits (deposit/loss/time) with "cooling" when increasing.
Activate Reality Check.
Install a gambling site/app blocker on your devices.

Within 24 hours:

Start a break of 7-30 days (cool-off/self-exclusion) on the platforms used.
Tell one trusted person: "I have difficulties with the game, I have set limits and a break."
Transfer utilities/credits to auto payment to protect the budget.

Within 72 hours:

Sign up for a psychologist/psychotherapist with addiction experience or help line.
Restrict access to loans and credits; start a separate "game" card with a zero overdraft - or turn it off.
Make a list of triggers (time of day, alcohol, stress, specific games) and alternatives (sleep, walking, sports, calling a friend).

💡 If there are thoughts of self-harm or "losing control" - seek urgent help from local emergency/psychological support services.

Self-help tools

Limits/pause/self-exclusion on platforms.

Blockers and family modes on devices.

Trigger diary: "what felt → what played → result → what helped."

Budget glider and "clean" salary card without access from applications for the game.

Support: mutual aid groups, individual/family therapy.

How to talk to loved ones if you are worried

Use "I-messages": "I'm worried because...," no charges.

Offer specific help: set up limits, find a specialist, accompany for a consultation.

Mark the boundaries: do not give money to play, do not cover debts; support - yes, participation in the problem - no.

Myths and facts

Myth: "You just have to pull yourself together."

Fact: It's a collection of behavioral and cognitive factors; help and tools work better than "willpower."

Myth: "The problem is about large sums."

Fact: The criterion is loss of control and damage to life, not an absolute figure.

Myth: "If you're lucky now, everything will work out."

Fact: The outcome of random games is independent; "luck" doesn't cure debt or take back control.

Checklist "Am I on the right track?"

Limits and reality-check enabled.
A break or self-exclusion is activated.
Blockers are installed on all devices.
Mandatory payments are protected, access to loans is limited.
Counseling scheduled/contact support received.
The loved one is aware and supportive.
There is a list of triggers and alternative actions.

Gaming addiction is a manageable problem. The sooner you notice the signs and act, the easier it is to regain control, money, health and relationships. Use self-control tools, pause, talk to loved ones and turn to specialists - this is not a weakness, but an adult step towards a sustainable life.