– It took a long time before I understood how big the problem was

Gambling addiction comes in many forms, and it doesn't just affect the person who plays it. "Trine" experienced watching her partner become more and more addicted to "gaming." It not only took up his time, but also large sums of money.

– It all started during a period where we lived apart during the weeks, due to work, and only saw each other on the weekends. In addition, we had bought a house, and had a major renovation project ahead of us, says "Trine."

"Trine" is not the woman's real name.

When the couple met on weekends, much of the time was spent on the renovation. Gradually, "Trine" noticed that her partner was spending more and more time in front of the PC gaming.

What is gambling addiction?

• Gambling addiction is a serious diagnosis in which a person becomes compulsively preoccupied with gambling or gaming, despite negative consequences.
• Addiction can affect both physical and mental health, social relationships and finances.

Large sums of money were spent

One day, "Trine" noticed her roommate's phone, which was open on the table. There, he was logged into his online bank, and she noticed several moves to various gaming sites.

– There were withdrawals of several hundred kroner in short succession. I became concerned and commented that I thought it looked like a lot of money to spend on gambling, she says.

The roommate denied that there was a problem and reassured her.

– And I chose to believe him.

Known for loneliness

Most couples who have gone through a house renovation know that it can be tough on the relationship.

– I therefore thought it was natural that he would rather relax with games than be with me. At the same time, I found it difficult that so much of his time was spent gaming, and I felt a lot of loneliness, says "Trine."

She caught herself thinking , "Does going through a renovation really have to be that hard?"

– Because I didn't see how much gaming there was on weekdays, I didn't connect the fact that it could be an addiction.

What is gaming addiction?

Computer game addiction or gaming addiction is a serious condition that can have extensive negative consequences on a person's life.

The following are common symptoms that may indicate a video game addiction:

• Excessive gaming
• Reduced quality of life
• Emotional dependence
• Justifying gaming
• Lack of control
• Physical and health challenges
• Secrecy and withdrawal
• Gaming is the top priority
• Read more about gaming addiction here.

Realized the problem

After "Trine" confronted her roommate with what she had seen in the online bank, everything seemed fine for a while. Then a large bill appeared.

– We suddenly received a large bill, which he said had been paid. I wanted to contact the bank to find out what had happened, and then my partner let me see his bank account. In a short time I could see that around 60,000 kroner had been spent on various gaming sites, she says.

The sum was a lot for a couple who had recently bought a house and were in the process of renovating it.

– But after further investigation, it turned out that nearly 300,000 kroner had gone to the games.

When all the small and large sums were added up, and the roommate saw in black and white how much money had disappeared, he too realized that gaming had become a problem.

Gambling in gaming

• Some computer games include gambling elements where the player can wager virtual or real money to win rewards or achieve in-game goals. 
• This may include virtual casinos, slot machines, or other forms of gambling mechanics that mimic real gambling.
• Gambling in computer games can increase the risk of addiction, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents.
• The random nature of loot boxes and the ability to spend real money on virtual items can lead to excessive purchases and thus loss of control.

Got help

As a first step, "Trine" contacted her partner's parents, who had also suspected a gambling problem.

– They came to us, helped and supported us. The way forward was to get control of the finances and the bills. Then we first put restrictions on the PC, before my partner chose to sell it himself, says "Trine".

– Now he hasn't played in three years.

Gambling addiction Norway

Both "Trine" and her partner also chose to seek help from the organization Game Addiction Norway , and participate in a self-help group in Tromsø.

Gambling Addiction Norway is an organization that works to prevent gambling addiction, as well as help gambling addicts and their relatives by offering a helpline, one-to-one conversations, self-help groups and themed meetings.

They also have a group specifically tailored for those struggling with gaming addiction .

– We experienced good support in the organization. They have digital gamer groups that both gamers themselves and their relatives can participate in. It has been good to be able to talk to others in similar situations. That support means a lot, and you feel less alone, says "Trine."

She herself found it helpful to hear the experiences of others with the same challenges as her partner.

– You're a little afraid of how you'll be treated if you tell your partner that they're addicted to video games. For most people, video games are just something you do for fun, and I think some people find it difficult to understand that it can create addiction. In the self-help groups, we met people who understood.

Many are struggling

A survey conducted by InFact for Gambling Addiction Norway shows that 1 in 4 people have had problems with gambling themselves, or know someone who has.

– We are experiencing an increase in the number of inquiries, and most of the inquiries concern gambling . There is a particularly large increase in the number of young boys who experience gambling addiction, says Lill-Tove Bergmo, who is the general manager of Gambling Addiction Norway.

The organization also receives inquiries regarding gaming, both with and without money involved.

Physical and digital self-help groups

Today, Game Addiction Norway has physical self-help groups in both Tromsø and Harstad, as well as digital ones. Participation in the groups is free.

– When you know for sure that you are meeting others in the same situation, it has enormous power. The fear of being judged disappears, the shame disappears – everything is put away, says Lill-Tove.

– There is no time limit on how long you can participate in the groups, and you can go for as long as you want. Many people are afraid that they will suddenly meet someone they know in the group, but then I remind them that in that case they are also there for a reason.

– “I don't know where I would be today without the self-help group,” I have heard so many times. For many, the help has been absolutely crucial, she adds.

– It helps to talk

"Trine" and her partner are grateful for the help they received when they needed it.

– An addiction is not easy to get out of, and for my partner it also helped a lot that we got a dog. It has become a new interest, and something to do instead of sitting in front of the computer, she says.

As a relative, she has some advice for others in the same situation:

– Read up on computer game addiction, gain knowledge and contact a helpline – such as the one offered by Game Addiction Norway. There you can talk to others who know what it's all about, ask questions, air your thoughts and get support, she says.

– It helps so much to talk to someone outside who understands , and not sit with your thoughts and worries alone.