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TOP-10 signs of gaming addiction
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Gaming addiction rarely begins "suddenly." Usually this is a chain of repeating patterns: thoughts about rates take up more and more space, budgets are blurred, secrecy grows, and attempts to "roll" end in breakdowns. Below are 10 signs by which you can understand that the game has ceased to be entertainment. This is not a diagnosis, but risk signals. If you have 3-4 signs or more, it makes sense to turn on a pause and consider the help of a specialist.
Feature TOP-10
1) Obsessive thoughts about the game (absorption)
You are constantly scrolling through strategies, results, "what would happen if...," waiting for the next session. Thoughts about rates arise automatically in everyday life, at work, in the family.
How to notice: every hour catch at least one thought about the game; it is difficult to focus on tasks without a "background" about bets.
2) Loss of control over limits
You regularly exceed the pre-selected time/bet/stop loss: "another 10 minutes - that's all," "I will raise the limit for today, because the series."
As you note: more than half of the sessions do not end according to plan, timers/reality checks are ignored.
3) "Dogon" and the pursuit of losses (chasing)
After the minus session, there is a strong impulse to "return" right now - an increase in bets, an unscheduled deposit, a change of game "for good luck."
How to note: at least 1-2 times a week you are "carried" to close the minus on the same day.
4) Rising rate/risk "tolerance"
To experience the same excitement, you need bigger bets or more volatile games. Old limits are "not felt."
As you note: the average rate for the month is steadily growing, the range of rates is spreading.
5) 'Scrapping stop rules' over emotions
Anger, euphoria, boredom, fatigue - and the rules cease to apply. You know about stop loss/time frame, but "on emotions" ignore them.
How to notice: leave the session only after a "feeling of satisfaction/fatigue," and not by signal.
6) Stealth and lies
Hide the amounts, time, facts of the game from the partner/family/colleagues. Come up with explanations for translations, "create" with finances.
How to note: delete history, use separate wallets "so as not to find," avoid conversations.
7) Conflicts, deterioration of work and relationships
The game interferes with the schedule, deadlines, communication with loved ones. There are quarrels over money/time, ignoring everyday tasks.
How to notice: postpone meetings because of the game, fall asleep later because of "a little more," catch fines for work.
8) Financial harm and debt
You play not out of discretion, but at the expense of "mandatory" money (housing, loans, taxes). You take loans "to fight back," agree on installments due to delays.
How to notice: debt payments are delayed; replenishment of "Games" comes from reserves or credit cards.
9) "Withdrawal syndrome": irritability without playing
Trying to shorten or stop the game causes irritation, anxiety, insomnia, intrusive thoughts - and you come back "to make it easier."
How to notice: 24 hours without playing - and the mood drops sharply, there is an obsessive search for an "outlet."
10) Failed attempts to "tie" alone
You have repeatedly promised yourself "only on weekends," "only for 30 minutes," "only for small bets," but after a couple of weeks everything returns.
As you can see: the cycles "tough determination → a few good days → a breakdown" are repeated 2-3 times or more.
Rapid self-screening (10 questions, 2 minutes)
Answer Yes/No:1. I think about the game several times a day, out of context.
2. I exceed time or money limits more than 1 times a week.
3. Often "catch up" losses on the same day.
4. The rate/risk has increased markedly over the past 2-3 months.
5. I ignore stop loss on emotions.
6. I hide the scale of the game from relatives/colleagues.
7. The game interferes with work/study/family.
8. There were debts/loans or delinquencies due to the game.
9. Without playing, I become irritable/anxious.
10. Already tried to limit himself - he broke down.
Interpretation:- 0-2 "Yes" - low risk (keep hygiene: limits, diary, locks).
- 3-4 "Yes" - medium risk (need a pause of 2-4 weeks and increased fuses).
- 5 + "Yes" - high risk (it is recommended to contact a specialist and enable the recovery program).
Action plan for 72 hours (if you find 3 + signs)
Day 1 (immediately):- Activate the cool-off in the account for at least 72 hours.
- Reset the daily limit of the "Game" card, delete the saved cards.
- Tell buddy (partner/friend): "Pause 72h, help follow."
- Sleep 7-8 hours, water, walk 20 minutes, no streams/chats about the game.
- Analysis of the last 3 sessions according to the "6 lines" template: facts, emotions, lesson, correction.
- Configure the category blocker "gambling" (buddy PIN).
- Finance: make "five containers" (Obyazat. / Reserves/discretions/games/purposes).
- Mini-mindfulness practice 10 minutes (breathing "box," RAIN with traction).
- Write down the new rules: rate ≤1% BR, stop loss 2-3% BR, timer 20-25 minutes, prohibition of dogons.
- Decide: do you need professional advice (if "Yes" - sign up right away).
- Prepare a list of "substitutes" for traction: sports, shower, call, cleaning, equipment 5-4-3-2-1.
Risk scale: "Traffic light"
Green zone: game ≤ to plan, diary is kept, stop loss is observed, there are no unscheduled deposits.
Yellow zone: 1-2 violations/week (limit, time, dogon), increased mental "chewing gum." → Pause 7-14 days, increased blockages.
Red zone: ≥3 signs from the TOP-10, debts/conflicts, deposits "on emotions." → Pause 30 + days, specialist assistance, financial restructuring.
Myths and facts
Myth: "I just unsuccessfully entered - I'll be lucky tomorrow."
Fact: systematic violations of the rules are more important than "luck of the day."
Myth: "If I win big, the problem will be solved by myself."
Fact: Without a change in behavior, big wins often increase risk (rates/expectations rise).
Myth: "I can handle it alone, you just have to try."
Fact: At 5 + signs, help and external limiters accelerate and stabilize recovery.
If you are a loved one at risk
Talk about facts and care, not accusations: "I see delays/secrecy and worry. Let's think about how to help."
Offer structural help: joint limit/cool-off setup, no-game schedule, specialist search.
Take care of your own borders: do not cover debts if there is no recovery plan.
When you need professional help
5 + signs from the list, debts/credits due to the game, repeated breakdowns after pauses, thoughts of self-harm.
The specialist will help build an individual plan: motivational interviewing, CBT approaches, working with triggers, family support and financial protocols.
Gaming addiction is not a weakness, but a predictable set of behavioral and emotional patterns. They can be recognized and changed. Start with a checklist, turn on a 72-hour pause, strengthen the fuse system and - if necessary - seek support. The earlier you react, the lower the cost of error and the faster normal life returns.