
Gambling Addiction Treatment That Promotes Lasting Recovery
Many people struggling with gambling addiction have co-occurring SUD. According to International Gambling Studies, “Research carried out for over a decade shows that various types of substance abuse and problem gambling co-occur, such that people exhibiting an elevated level of substance use and abuse are more likely than others to also show an elevated risk of problem gambling.” Legacy Outdoor Adventure treats gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders using an integrative approach to care. We tailor services to the specific needs and recovery goals of each client, reducing the risk of relapse.
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Addictive behaviors affect the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, causing certain behaviors to become reinforced. According to Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, research studies have found that “[m]esolimbic dopamine (DA), the chief neuromediator of incentive motivation, is [. . .] released to a larger extent in pathological gamblers (PG) than in healthy controls (HC) during gambling episodes.” Treatment involves unlearning these behaviors and developing healthier ways to manage them. Clinicians use a range of therapeutic modalities and services to address the symptoms of gambling addiction, including behavioral health, outpatient treatment, inpatient programs, and experiential therapy.
What Is Gambling Addiction or Gambling Disorder?
Addictive behaviors affect the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, causing certain behaviors to become reinforced. According to Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, research studies have found that “[m]esolimbic dopamine (DA), the chief neuromediator of incentive motivation, is [. . .] released to a larger extent in pathological gamblers (PG) than in healthy controls (HC) during gambling episodes.” Treatment involves unlearning these behaviors and developing healthier ways to manage them. Clinicians use a range of therapeutic modalities and services to address the symptoms of gambling addiction, including behavioral health, outpatient treatment, inpatient programs, and experiential therapy.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
Recognizing the Warning Signs in Yourself or a Loved One
Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Problem Gambling
Some of the evidence-based therapies we offer at Legacy Outdoor Adventure include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Life skills development
- Relapse prevention education
- Group therapy
- Motivational interviewing (MI)

Personalized, Compassionate Care That Makes a Difference
Our programs and services include:
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment programs
- Flexible levels of care for unique recovery needs
- Holistic and psychiatric support
Treating the Whole Person, Not Just the Behavior
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Opioid use disorder (OUD)
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD), and other forms of SUD
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Trauma

Support Systems and Recovery Resources
Building a Lifelong Foundation for Healing
- Immersing clients in nature-based therapeutic activities that foster resilience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation
- Tailoring treatment plans to address specific triggers
- Teaching practical life skills to prevent relapse and encourage personal growth
- Collaborating with clients and their loved ones to ensure a smooth transition to aftercare

For Families of Compulsive Gamblers
Legacy Outdoor Adventure encourages families to actively participate in the recovery process through every stage of rehabilitation. Gambling addiction treatment programs focus on healing the whole person by addressing any factors impacting mental health and overall wellness. Family therapy and other support services help people develop healthier relationships and family dynamics that support long-term recovery.
How to Support Someone You Love Without Losing Yourself
- Educating themselves on gambling addiction as a mental health disorder
- Learning practical tools for setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and self-care
- Participating in family counseling and support groups
- Locating resources for crisis management, intervention, and referrals

Begin the Path Toward Healing

You’re Not Alone — Help for Gambling Addiction Is Here
- The National Council on Problem Gambling has a gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER
- Community-based self-help meetings like Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
- Peer support
- Community-based mental health services
- Referral to specialized local health care providers
FAQs About Gambling Addiction Treatment
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of talk therapy provide the best treatment for gambling addiction. Combining psychotherapy with outdoor therapy can increase the effectiveness of traditional individual or group therapy sessions. Treatment for individuals with dual diagnosis may include prescription medications, holistic therapies, family therapy, and other support services.
Some insurance plans cover rehab programs for gambling addiction as a form of mental health treatment. However, not all insurance providers offer the same levels of coverage, and some plans may not include gambling addiction under mental health treatment. We can help you determine if your insurance provider covers or partially covers the cost of treatment for gambling addiction in Utah.
Compulsive gambling can be treated in an outpatient setting for individuals with a solid support system and mild symptoms. Outpatient programs offer additional flexibility, ensuring you receive tailored treatment and recovery support. Individuals with multiple co-occurring disorders may benefit more from an inpatient setting with fewer triggers and distractions. Legacy Outdoor Adventure collaborates with clients and their families to determine the best treatment options.
Many people undergo a continuum of care, starting with residential treatment and then transitioning to outpatient services. We offer a range of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for individuals experiencing gambling addiction. You can choose the program that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Unfortunately, addiction often warps people’s view of themselves and their actions. Individuals living with addiction frequently create elaborate excuses to justify their behaviors to themselves and others. Watching from the outside as a loved one struggles with addiction can be heartbreaking. We recognize the significance of family involvement in the intervention and treatment process. Our team can provide referrals and guidance on how to host an intervention and encourage a loved one to seek the help they desperately need.
Your mental and physical health have a direct impact on one another. Maladaptive behaviors, like compulsive gambling, cause changes in the brain that affect mental health and overall wellness. According to Psychiatry, “From a medical perspective, pathological gamblers are at increased risk to develop stress-related conditions, such as hypertension, sleep deprivation, cardiovascular disease, and peptic ulcer disease.” In addition, “[c]ommon psychiatric sequelae of pathological gambling include exacerbation and initiation of major depressive episodes, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders.” Early intervention and professional mental health treatment reduce the long-term health side effects of gambling addiction.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) provides a safe space for you to receive and offer support. The mutual empowerment and encouragement provided by these group meetings help some people feel more in control of their recovery. Additionally, the welcoming and inclusive environment may encourage some individuals to form healthy relationships with peers that they can rely on during challenging moments in their recovery. Sponsors and mentors offer an additional layer of accountability and motivation for your recovery.
Legacy Outdoor Adventure promotes peer engagement to ensure individuals in rehabilitation feel comfortable participating in peer groups and community-based meetings during aftercare. GA and other self-help groups provide a space where you can feel heard and understood by others who have had similar life experiences.


