Questions and answers

Here, we’ve tried to provide answers to some of the most common questions we receive from next of kin. However, this information is not a substitute for contacting us directly.

The definition of gambling addiction, F 63.0 pathological gambling disorder, is as follows:
“The disorder consists of frequent repeated episodes of gambling that dominate the patient’s life in a way that damages social, occupational, financial, and family relationships.”

Gambling addiction is when the player no longer has control over their own gambling. The gambling becomes all-consuming and affects both the player themselves and their next of kin.

Read about our warning signs here:
-> Gambling Addiction
-> Video Game Addiction

As a next of kin, you can be someone who motivates, supports, and listens.

The approach to addressing this issue may vary from person to person. We find that it is often effective to have a conversation with the person who is gambling, in a calm and honest manner, expressing your concerns. Many gamblers find it a relief to be “exposed,” while others may strongly deny it.

It is important to set clear boundaries for what you are willing to accept; only you know where your limits lie.

If the gambling has led to the accumulation of debt, it should be considered to seek help to regain control over the debt.

As a next of kin, you also need motivation, support, and someone to listen to you. It’s not uncommon for family members to need treatment at times. This is a tough and painful situation to come to terms with. Life can be turned upside down in a short period.

Contact us to talk to other next of kin.

Read our tips in Norwegian for “first aid” for next of kin.

For most gambling addicts, it’s important to have someone who can support you in this process.

Seek advice from someone close to you or contact us to talk to other gambling addicts. There is also treatment available. In that case, it may be wise to have a conversation with your general practitioner.

As a gambling addict, you can create several obstacles for yourself. Remember, you are the only one who can quit gambling, so even if many physical barriers are put in place, you must also have the desire to quit.

Read our tips in Norwegian for “first aid” for gambling addicts.

Today’s games, whether they involve gambling or video games, are designed to keep the player engaged for as long as possible. Not all games create problems, but games that have speed and no end are the ones we find most challenging. Gambling addiction is a disease, and it’s essential to get help to stop it. It can be difficult to understand why someone plays so much. Seek knowledge about gambling addiction; you may never fully understand, but you can familiarize yourself with the mechanisms of how an addiction develops.

A compulsive gambler often doesn’t intend to ruin their own or someone else’s finances, but it’s often a vicious cycle for the addicted individual to break. When compulsive gamblers first take on debt, we often see that the debt continues to increase until someone discovers it. For those who are next of kin, it becomes an additional burden, and it is very difficult to come to terms with.

In the transition, it is important to try to secure oneself and any children first, and then it is important to seek help from the appropriate authorities.

Public assistance is available through debt counselors in municipalities.

You can also call the Debt Alliance for advice.

We also have several individuals who have had to go through this process with us, and everyone is welcome to contact us to hear about personal experiences.

We have prepared a brochure in Norwegian with an overview of debt management.

As a parent, you have a responsibility to set boundaries for your child’s video game usage.

It’s important to communicate with your children about setting limits, but it’s also essential to understand the games they are playing. Take the time to play together with your child to gain insight into the games they are playing.

Keep in mind that today’s video games are designed in a way that children may feel the need to be present at certain times to participate in team play.

Video games can be social, relaxing, and provide a sense of achievement for the child. A combination of video games, physical activities, and social interaction is crucial.

Set clear boundaries and communicate calmly. For many parents, it works best to discuss video game limits with their children while they are playing.

Barnevakten.no is a non-profit organization that provides information and advice on youth and media use. They have expertise in video games. Learn more about Barnevakten here (in Norwegian).

There is help available, both publicly and privately, as well as low-threshold services.

Spillavhengighet Norge receives daily calls from relatives or gambling addicts seeking support and help. We have our own support groups for gambling addicts and relatives in several locations around the country. In addition, you can arrange individual meetings, phone calls, and more. Read about our help services here.

There is also a national helpline for gambling addiction at phone: : 800 800 40 or online: www.hjelpelinjen.no. On the Hjelpelinjen website, you will find information about the available help in your area.

There are also various online services, such as the Norwegian web services Fjernbasertbehandling and Spillsnakk.no

Contact us to get an overview of the available help near you.

You may feel that you’re not doing enough as parents, but it’s essential to remember that you’re doing your best based on your own situation and resources. The most important thing is that you continue to stand together in your parenting role while working to figure out what’s best for your family. Many parents experience conflicts with their children and adolescents regarding video games and gambling and may need guidance through these issues.

How the future will be can feel uncertain. Your everyday life may have been turned upside down overnight, and we recommend talking to someone who has a similar experience to get support on the road ahead.

At Spillavhengighet Norge, you can find someone to talk to about the future. Contact us here.

It is normal to have a strong reaction when you are a next of kin. The situations often have the potential to affect the rest of your life. Many people experience strong emotions when they first talk about or learn about gambling addiction. It is important to have someone to talk to so you can express the feelings and thoughts that arise in the beginning.

If you suspect that someone you know is addicted to gambling, and they are not admitting it, this may be a sign that they are not ready. Changing habits, thought patterns, and helping oneself is a challenging process that requires strong motivation. Many gamblers may believe they can resolve the issue on their own, experience feelings of shame, and struggle to admit they’ve lost control over their gambling. If the consequences of their gambling have become critical, you can attempt to initiate a conversation by sharing your concerns, emphasizing that you still care about them. It can be frustrating if you don’t get through to them immediately, but having them admit the issue themselves will likely make the process ahead more effective than pressuring them.

You should tell someone close to you to get support or guidance, so you have someone to talk to. When it comes to family and children, it’s beneficial for someone struggling with gambling addiction to be able to communicate this themselves. If you see that those closest to you can help in the situation, talk to the gambler about it and encourage them to be honest with close relationships.

Spilleavhengighet Norge receives more inquiries about gaming, divided between parents reaching out concerning their children and players themselves seeking help to break free from their bubble.

Someone with a gambling addiction never intentionally ruins their family. Often, they are aware of the consequences that follow, but it is precisely these consequences that trigger them to play more to fix their financial mess. The higher the debt becomes, the harder it is to ask for help, and thus, they find themselves in a vicious cycle. It is a significant burden for the loved ones to be in financial distress afterward. It is crucial to stop gambling and make good choices for oneself and those around them as soon as possible.