Gambling addiction rehab and support

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is a behavioural condition characterised by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the negative consequences it has on a person’s life.

Like drugs or alcohol, gambling activates the brain’s reward system, potentially leading to addiction. Gambling addiction can affect a person’s emotional and mental health and can often lead to financial difficulties such as mounting debt and lost income.

Problematic gambling affects many people across the UK. According to the Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain, 2.5% of adults (around 1.3 million people) are ‘problem gamblers’. That means that gambling is likely to be causing significant problems in their life, and they’ve lost control over the behaviour.

With the right support and effective treatment at a professional rehab facility, people can recover from their gambling addiction. Here, we will explore treatment options for gambling addiction, including treatment for co-occurring conditions, helping you take the first steps towards the support you need.

Signs you might need gambling addiction treatment 

Gambling addiction is marked by an overwhelming and persistent desire to gamble, even when it’s causing significant harm to your personal, social and financial wellbeing. 

Here are some common signs of gambling addiction that suggest you may need professional help:

• An inability to control or resist the urge to gamble, even when the odds are unfavourable
• Constantly thinking about gambling 
• Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
• Loss of interest in relationships, hobbies and responsibilities 
• Betting larger amounts to recover losses or to achieve the same thrill
• A negative impact on your closest relationships 
• Hiding how much money and time you spend gambling from other people
• Stealing, selling possessions or borrowing money to gamble 
• Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, stress, hopelessness and shame
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pains, and other stress-related symptoms
• Denying that you have a problem

Effective treatment options for gambling addiction 

Overcoming compulsive gambling can feel impossible, but with the right support, you can make a lasting recovery. There are various effective treatment options for gambling addiction, including:

Therapy

Talking therapies, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is the most commonly used method for tackling gambling addiction. Therapy is effective at addressing the cognitive elements of your addiction (such as emotions leading to or stemming from gambling, cravings or urges) and behavioural aspects (such as identifying triggers and finding alternative coping strategies). 

Medication

Antidepressants and mood stabilisers may be effective in managing the symptoms of gambling addiction, such as cravings and compulsive behaviours. Medication is most useful when it’s combined with psychotherapy and holistic care.

Self-help 

Many people find self-help materials like workbooks for gambling addiction to be effective for, especially those who can’t access formal therapy or prefer a more independent approach. Self-help approaches are most effective when combined with other treatment options.

You could complement these with other self-help strategies to help you stop gambling. Use apps like GamStop or Gamban to block gambling sites from your devices or work with your bank to block payments. If certain triggers, like groups of people or specific places, lead you to gamble, consider avoiding those triggering scenarios.

Support groups 

Attending support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a valuable component of treatment for gambling addiction. It provides peer support, encouragement and shared experiences, which can be important for individuals in recovery.

Understanding gambling rehab 

Professional gambling rehab is designed to support you to regain control over your life. It provides a secure, private and supervised environment that allows you to fully focus on your recovery. 

The extensive programme offered by rehab facilities such as Priory, allows you to build healthier coping mechanisms and address any underlying or co-occurring issues. You can expect a structured day plan, group and individual therapy, family support, and holistic care such as exercise, a healthy diet and mindfulness. 

At Priory, our team of specialists will outline the best option for your unique circumstances and create a holistic and individually tailored support plan. Treatment can be completed in inpatient or outpatient settings. 

Inpatient treatment means you’ll stay at a gambling rehab centre as part of our 28-day addiction treatment programme. This is the most effective treatment option as you’re not exposed to external triggers and can recover in an immersive and supportive environment.

Day care involves attending treatment sessions multiple times a week during the day but returning home in the evenings. It provides structured, intensive therapy including group and individual therapy and educational sessions.

Outpatient treatment means attending a day rehabilitation centre several times a week for group and/or individual therapy sessions. This allows you to continue your daily responsibilities while building skills to manage gambling triggers and prevent relapse.

Online therapy is another potential option for receiving support for gambling addiction.

What to expect from gambling rehab 

If you’re interested in gambling rehab, the first step is to book a free addiction assessment to discuss any concerns or questions with a specialist. They can offer support and guidance on the next steps in the treatment process. 

What you can expect from professional rehab:

• A structured group therapy programme
• Individual therapy
• Access to both on and off-site 12-step support groups 
• 24/7 support
• Comfortable surroundings
• Experienced staff
• Free aftercare for 12 months following treatment 
• Free family support for 12 months following treatment 
• Support for your physical, mental and spiritual health

Personalised treatment plans for lasting recovery 

At Priory, treatment programmes are led by a team of highly skilled therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists across our network of hospital sites and wellbeing centres in the UK. 

Each programme is tailored to your individual needs and can be adjusted in intensity to provide the right level of support for your recovery journey. 

Our treatment plans address gambling addiction holistically. That means dealing with any co-occurring mental health issues and lifestyle factors (such as other addictions, financial problems and isolation) through therapy, mindfulness and a structured routine.

Receiving this comprehensive treatment programme in a supportive environment allows you to build a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and recover from addiction.

Private gambling addiction treatment at Priory 

If you think you have a gambling addiction or might be of risk of developing one, it’s important that you reach out for professional help as soon as possible. 

Private gambling addiction support at Priory offers many benefits, including fast access to treatment, tailored treatment plans, holistic care and a supportive and relaxing environment to recover in. 

Treating co-occurring conditions and addictions 

Gambling addiction is often linked to other conditions and addictions. This can make treatment more complex so it’s crucial to address these alongside your compulsive gambling for successful recovery. 

At Priory, we can address co-occurring mental health conditions and multiple addictions, offering holistic care to ensure long-term recovery:

Co-occurring mental health conditions 

According to research from the American Psychological Association (APA), 96% of people with gambling problems experience at least one other psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Co-occurring mental health conditions can make gambling addiction even worse by intensifying emotional distress and increasing the likelihood of using gambling as a coping mechanism. 

Priory addresses both the addiction and underlying mental health challenges through an integrated care plan adapted to your individual needs. You’ll receive evidence-based therapies and other interventions to ensure your mental health and addiction are managed effectively.

Detox and other addictions 

Other addictions, such as alcohol or drugs, often accompany gambling addiction. Based on your individual needs, you’ll receive a care plan that addresses any co-occurring addictions. 

Priory addresses additional addictions through medically assisted detoxification (if necessary) and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Detox allows you to stabilise your physical health and manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. This typically occurs over 7 to 10 days in an inpatient setting. 

Once detox is completed, you’ll transition to intensive therapy including individual and group sessions as well as access to 12-step support groups.