What Is Problem Gambling?

Treatment Options for Gambling Addiction

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Counseling & Psychotherapeutic Interventions

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​Counseling — delivered by trained therapists or counsellors with experience in gambling addiction — remains a corner-stone of effective treatment. This can take place in individual sessions, group therapy or via online/remote platforms. 

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Clinical research shows that a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) tends to be the most effective psychological intervention for problematic gambling. 

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• In a randomized controlled trial, both individual and group CBT + MI led to significant reductions in gambling frequency and urges, gambling-related cognitions, and improvements in life satisfaction — and these gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. 

• Evidence reviews show CBT (alone or combined with MI) consistently outperforms many other psychological approaches in reducing gambling severity. 

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Given the variability in individuals’ lives and needs, counseling plans are usually tailored to reflect personal circumstances — including comorbid mental health issues, motivation level, and social support.

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Peer and Self-Help Support

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Peer support — via groups of individuals who’ve experienced gambling problems themselves — offers a complementary avenue for recovery. These groups can provide empathy, mutual understanding and accountability over time. 

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For example, the international group SMART Recovery uses evidence-based psychological tools (CBT, MI, etc.) in peer-facilitated meetings.

 

While peer-support alone may not always be sufficient — especially for severe gambling disorders — combining peer support with professional therapy tends to yield better outcomes than either alone.

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Self-directed interventions (e.g. workbooks, online modules) may help some people — particularly those with milder gambling problems or those who are reluctant or unable to access traditional therapy. But studies suggest that adding therapist contact (even minimal) improves engagement and success. 

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Outpatient Treatment Programs

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Outpatient programs allow individuals to receive regular therapy or counselling while continuing to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities — work, school, family, social life. 

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• These programs are often more flexible and accessible than residential treatment, which may make them more practical for many people.

• Recent real-world data show that retention is a challenge: many clients attend only one or a few sessions, but roughly one-third complete six or more sessions. 

• Given that many people drop out early, effective outpatient care often benefits from early motivational interventions and engagement strategies. 

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Outpatient programs tend to work best for mild-to-moderate gambling problems, or as part of a “step-down” approach (e.g., after more intensive treatment).

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Residential / Inpatient Treatment Programs

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For individuals with severe gambling disorder — especially if accompanied by co-occurring mental health or substance use issues, repeated relapses, or unstable living conditions — residential or inpatient treatment may be recommended. 

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In such programs, individuals stay at a treatment facility for a defined period. The controlled environment limits exposure to gambling triggers and supports intensive, structured daily therapy, group sessions, psychoeducation, and possibly other therapeutic activities (e.g. stress management, coping skills). 

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Some treatment plans may integrate aftercare or “step-down” care once the residential stay ends — transitioning into outpatient therapy, peer support, or ongoing counselling — to help maintain long-term recovery.

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Research and clinical practice emphasize that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. The most promising results emerge when treatment is individualised, multifaceted, and adaptive to the person’s needs — often combining counseling, peer support, and appropriate level-of-care (outpatient, residential) depending on severity and risk factors. 

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For example:

• Some people benefit from brief interventions (e.g. MI sessions, short CBT) or self-help resources — particularly if their gambling problems are less severe or they’re ambivalent about change. 

• Others may require more intensive therapy or residential care, often with follow-up and aftercare to reduce relapse risk.

• Peer support (via groups like SMART Recovery, or equivalents depending on region) often enhances long-term engagement and helps sustain changes, especially when combined with professional treatment. 

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Additional Considerations & Challenges

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• Retention & engagement remain major challenges: many people discontinue treatment early (after one or few sessions) rather than complete a full course. 

• Relapse risk — as with other addictions — is real. Effective programs often include relapse prevention strategies, aftercare, and support networks to help manage trigger situations over the long term. 

• Personalisation matters: factors such as co-occurring psychiatric conditions, life stressors, social support or lack thereof, and personal motivation influence which type of treatment will work best. 

• Accessibility & stigma: Some gamblers may avoid seeking help because of shame, lack of awareness, or limited access — which is why offering a range of options (brief interventions, online therapy, peer support, etc.) is important.