Gambling Addiction Treatment

Behavioral addictions affect quality of life and increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health issues. Many people require professional treatment to successfully recover from gambling addiction and other behavioral addictions. Legacy Outdoor Adventure uses psychotherapy, peer support, experiential therapy, and additional treatments to address the root causes of addiction. We give clients the tools to manage their condition effectively and prepare for long-term recovery.

Gambling Addiction Treatment That Promotes Lasting Recovery

Behavioral addictions, including gambling, cause significant mental health issues and financial strain for millions of individuals each year. Gambling addiction treatment helps individuals stop gambling behavior and addresses factors contributing to maladaptive coping mechanisms like compulsive gambling.

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Compulsive gambling may impact multiple areas of a person’s life, including their career, relationships, finances, and mental health. Many people lose massive amounts of money to gambling addiction, leaving them financially unstable and reliant on friends or family to pay for basic needs like food and housing. Addictive behaviors, including problem gambling, develop due to changes in the brain’s reward system. Anyone can become addicted to certain behaviors under the right circumstances.

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?

Gambling addiction is a disorder characterized by an inability to stop gambling behaviors. According to Harvard Review of Psychiatry, “Addiction professionals and the public are recognizing that certain nonsubstance behaviors—such as gambling, Internet use, video-game playing, sex, eating, and shopping—bear resemblance to alcohol and drug dependence.” In addition, “Several converging lines of evidence show an overlap between these conditions and substance dependence in terms of clinical expression (e.g., craving, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms), comorbidity, neurobiological profile, heritability, and treatment.”

Individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues have an increased risk of developing co-occurring gambling addiction. A professional treatment program addresses the specific risk factors and root causes of maladaptive behaviors like problem gambling.

Signs of Gambling Addiction

Some of the most common signs of pathological gambling include:

Significant irritation or anxiety when attempting to avoid gambling
Frequent thoughts of gambling
Needing to gamble increasingly large amounts to achieve the same “high”
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or control gambling

Treatment providers use evidence-based and holistic therapies to address addictive behavior.

Recognizing the Warning Signs in Yourself or a Loved One

Family members often notice the first signs of maladaptive behaviors, including gambling addiction. Understanding what to look for can ensure people get the help they need before unhealthy behaviors form into addictions. Legacy Outdoor Adventure educates families and individuals on the importance of knowing how to identify addiction and the stages of relapse to help clients avoid falling back into old, unhealthy habits.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Problem Gambling

Gambling treatment involves a personalized combination of holistic and evidence-based therapeutic options. Clinicians consider the emotional factors that affect a person’s ability to heal and grow. A tailored treatment plan ensures that clients receive the best support to meet their unique needs by addressing both active and underlying issues that affect their recovery.

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)

Psychiatry, psychotherapy, counseling, and peer support provide multiple levels of care and support for problem gamblers. Our treatment facility uses an integrative approach to treatment for clients experiencing addiction or mental health issues.

Personalized, Compassionate Care That Makes a Difference

The compassionate team of experts at Legacy Outdoor Adventure ensures the physical and emotional well-being of individuals participating in our treatment programs. We use personalized care plans to treat gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Our programs and services include:

Outpatient and inpatient treatment programs
Flexible levels of care for unique recovery needs
Holistic and psychiatric support

Our programs help you build a foundation for long-term recovery and personal growth.

Treating the Whole Person, Not Just the Behavior

We treat the whole person and not just addictive behaviors. Many individuals with gambling addiction have co-occurring conditions, including:

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

We improve people’s overall health by addressing co-occurring and underlying issues affecting their ability to function and recover from addictive behaviors.

Support Systems and Recovery Resources

During recovery from addictive behaviors, clients benefit from creating a strong network of support systems. Legacy Outdoor Adventure educates clients and their loved ones on the realities of ongoing recovery, connecting individuals with relevant community-based programs and other resources for maintaining sobriety after treatment. We prepare people for a healthier future by providing skill development and opportunities to practice healthy coping mechanisms in real-world situations.

Building a Lifelong Foundation for Healing

Professional rehabilitation programs provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals experiencing addiction or mental health issues. Gambling addiction treatment programs at Legacy Outdoor Adventure help clients build a lifelong foundation for healing by doing the following:

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

Our programs prepare clients to manage gambling addiction in the real world by giving them the skills, resources, education, and tools they need to succeed.

For Families of Compulsive Gamblers

Families may find it challenging to watch a loved one struggle with the consequences of gambling addiction. It is only natural to want to help a family member heal and move away from harmful behaviors.

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

Families and friends play a critical role in supporting individuals with gambling addiction. People may support a loved one undergoing treatment by doing the following:

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

We help families support their loved ones through every stage of treatment and ongoing recovery. Family and friends can take advantage of family therapy and other support services to build a closer relationship with a loved one undergoing treatment.

Begin the Path Toward Healing

Healing begins with treatment. Our residential or outpatient programs give individuals an opportunity to step away from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in a supportive environment where they can learn healthy ways to manage their condition and the underlying causes of addictive behaviors.

You’re Not Alone — Help for Gambling Addiction Is Here

The addiction and mental health experts at Legacy Outdoor Adventure provide comprehensive support for individuals with gambling addiction. Community-based resources offer another layer of accountability, motivation, and encouragement, including:

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

Legacy Outdoor Adventure connects clients with local recovery services, ensuring that they and their loved ones have the resources, skills, and knowledge needed to establish healthier routines and habits.

FAQs About Gambling Addiction Treatment

Below are some common questions people ask about our gambling addiction treatment programs.

What is the best treatment for gambling addiction?

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.

Does insurance cover gambling addiction treatment?

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.

Can gambling addiction be treated in outpatient programs?

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.

What if my loved one doesn’t want help?

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.

How does gambling affect mental health?

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.

Are support groups like Gamblers Anonymous effective?

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.

Legacy Outdoor Adventure treats gambling addiction, substance abuse, trauma, and other mental health issues using evidence-based and holistic therapies. To learn more about our programs and services, contact our office today at (435) 836-2272.