TOP services to help players with addiction

Shortly

Help works better when it's layered: urgent support (hotlines/chats) + structural work (therapy, groups, financial advisors) + technical barriers (self-exclusion, blockers). Below is a list of key services and how to use them so as not to "break" back.

1) 24-hour hotlines and online chats

Why: A quick conversation with a trained professional when "on fire."

What they give: de-escalation of emotions, a plan of the next steps, contacts of local centers.

How to use: save the number/link in advance; call/write on impulse "right now."

Preparation: briefly state the situation: "frequency of play, debts, breakdowns, were there thoughts of self-harm/suicide."

2) Mutual aid groups (online and offline)

Examples of formats: anonymous groups of players, SMART approach (cognitive skills), family groups for loved ones.

What they give: equal-to-equal support, regular rhythm of meetings, a sense of non-loneliness, exchange of sobriety/self-control practices.

How to choose: 2-3 trial meetings in different formats; stay where there is contact and practical effect.

3) Psychotherapy with a focus on behavioral addictions

Approaches: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), motivational interviewing, failure prevention, work with comorbid anxiety/depression.

Tasks: trigger map, substitution plan, stop and pause skill, strengthening money/time boundaries, work with guilt and shame.

How to look: a licensed specialist, experience in gambling behavior, an understandable therapy plan and measurable goals.

4) Financial advisors and debt relief services

Why: get out of the "red zone" of money without the illusion of "catching up with a loss."

What they do: inventory of debts, negotiations on restructuring, priority of payments, protection against microloans "in a fever."

How to prepare: list of accounts, interest rates, terms, minimum payments, income/expenses.

5) Self-exclusion programs and timeouts

Why: "hard stop" access to the game for a period of days to months (at the operator/through the regulator).

Who is suitable: with repeated breakdowns, night sessions, debts, violation of their own rules.

What to do right now: issue a timeout of 24-72 hours; if the pattern is persistent - self-exclusion for 6-12 months.

6) Site/app blockers and "night silence"

Tools: system Screen Time/Digital Wellbeing, Freedom/Cold Turkey/LeechBlock applications, Focus/Do Not Disturb modes.

Task: remove "fast routes" to the deposit and games, close access at night, add "friction" to the entrance.

Rule: the block is always on; changes - only with a delay (without "removed for the evening").

7) Health and crisis services

When: intrusive thoughts of self-harm, severe insomnia/panic, threats to oneself or others.

Action: Urgently call local emergency services/crisis help lines.

Important: safety is primary; game issues are resolved after stabilization.

8) Support for loved ones

Why it matters: The environment often burns out and inadvertently intensifies the cycle ("rescue," conflicts).

What to do for loved ones: own groups/consultations, financial borders, a plan of "red lines," safe communication without accusations ("observation-feeling-need-request").

9) Online self-help resources

What to look for: proven CBT exercise libraries, trigger diaries, limit checklists, spending calculators, gaming behavior screening tests.

How to use: 10-15 minutes a day - recording triggers, emotions, results; weekly review.

10) How to combine help (4-week plan)

Week 1 - "Shutdown"

Timeout/self-exclusion; blockers + "night silence."

Call the hotline; schedule a first therapeutic consultation.

Financial inventory, freezing fast replenishment.

Week 2 - "Structure"

First mutual aid group (online/offline).

Debt restructuring plan with a consultant.

Personal limits: time, losses, deposits; 24 hour rule.

Week 3 - "Skills"

CBT tools: implementation intentions, trigger diary, "stop-30/25" (pauses every 25-30 minutes in any "sticky" activity).

List of quick replacements (walk, water, warm-up, call).

Week 4 - "Anchoring"

Revision of progress with therapist and in group.

Adjustment of limits (only down/no increases).

3 month plan: meetings, time/money reports once a week.

11) Ready for handling checklist

Brief description of the problem (how often, how much, what I've tried)
Emergency and emergency service contacts preserved
Docs/Lists for Therapist and Financial Advisor
Timeout/Blockers/Night Silence Enabled
First treatment group/session planned

12) How to choose a reliable service

Verifiability: licenses/affiliations, transparent privacy rules.

Specialization: experience in gaming addiction.

Availability: 24/7 where stated; real communication channels (telephone, chat, e-mail).

Ethics: Lack of aggressive marketing, "just today" pressure.

Reviews: better - from specialized organizations/communities, and not anonymous "miracle stories."

13) Mini "if pulls to break" memo (copy)

1. Stop: Close the app/website.

2. Breathing 6 cycles (4-2-6).

3. Chat/call support.

4. Enable the 24-72 hour timeout.

5. Do one of the quick steps: water, shower, walk 10 minutes, 20 squats, call a friend.

6. Tomorrow - therapist/group; today - no game.

There are many services, but the best is the one that you connected in advance and use in conjunction: hotline + therapy/group + financial assistance + technical barriers. Asking for support is not a weakness, but a competent strategy to regain control of money, time and life.