Gambling disorder, also called problem gambling, is a condition where gambling habits start to cause financial, emotional, and social harm in a person’s life. For those affected, knowing what actually helps can be the first step toward recovery.
Recent research from dozens of high-quality clinical trials has shed light on which treatments work best. Here’s what the evidence shows.
The Most Effective Approach: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one of the most well-studied and effective ways to treat gambling problems. It works by helping people understand the thoughts, feelings, and situations that trigger their urge to gamble. CBT also teaches skills to manage these urges, avoid relapsing, and build healthier habits.
Studies show that CBT can lead to a big drop in gambling severity and frequency, especially right after treatment. Some people even experience full remission from gambling disorder after going through CBT.
Face-to-Face Treatment Gets the Best Results
Therapy that’s delivered in person, whether one-on-one or in a group, tends to have the strongest results. Group therapy in particular showed especially large benefits in reducing gambling behavior and helping people stay in recovery
Remote Options Are Helpful, Too
Online programs, self-help tools, and therapy over the phone or video calls have become more common. These remote options can make support more accessible, especially for people who live in rural areas or who prefer more privacy. While these options can reduce gambling problems, their overall impact is smaller than face-to-face therapy, especially when it comes to helping people fully stop gambling.
Motivational Programs Can Support Change
Some treatments focus on motivation: helping people explore why they gamble, what it’s costing them, and what change could look like. These are often used to help people get started in treatment or stay committed. On their own, motivational therapies don’t seem to reduce gambling as much as CBT, but they can be a helpful add-on.
Are There Medications?
Right now, there are no approved medications specifically for gambling disorder. While research is ongoing, therapy is still the main approach used by professionals.
What About Long-Term Success?
Many of the studies looked at how people were doing right after treatment ended. Fewer studies tracked people over months or years, so more research is needed to understand how well different treatments hold up over time.
That said, therapy works, and many people report feeling more in control of their gambling after getting support.
Final Thoughts
Gambling disorder is serious, but it is also treatable. The best-supported option is cognitive-behavioral therapy, especially when delivered face-to-face. Digital tools and motivational programs can also help, particularly as part of a broader treatment plan.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, know that effective help is available and recovery is possible.
Ready to Talk? I’m Here to Help.
If you’re struggling with gambling or concerned about a loved one, know that support is available. I offer evidence-based therapy, including cognitive-behavioral approaches shown to help reduce gambling urges and rebuild control.
Feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. We can talk about what’s going on and whether therapy might be a good fit for you.
Resources
Eriksen, J. W., Fiskaali, A., Zachariae, R., Wellnitz, K. B., Oernboel, E., Stenbro, A. W., … & Petersen, M. W. (2023). Psychological intervention for gambling disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 12(3), 613-630. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2023.00034
Pfund, R. A., Forman, D. P., Whalen, S. K., Zech, J. M., Ginley, M. K., Peter, S. C., … & Whelan, J. P. (2023). Effect of cognitive‐behavioral techniques for problem gambling and gambling disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Addiction, 118(9), 1661-1674. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16221