Clinically Reviewed by: Jeff Martin, MEd, MA, LPC, CSAT-S, CCBRT-C, ICGC-I

‍Clinical Director, Prescott House

‍Last reviewed: June 2026

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Understanding your struggle with gambling addiction and seeking help can be filled with questions and uncertainties. Here, we provide insights on recognizing a gambling problem, treatment options, and ways to seek help, along with many other aspects of addiction and recovery. This is a safe space for you to learn and gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions on your path to recovery.

What are the After Care Services like?

The 45-day gambling-specific clinical curriculum is the clinical core of our gambling program, but most clients remain in residential treatment well beyond that. Our average residential stay is 4 to 6 months, depending on individual progress, and our treatment team continues care throughout, combining individual therapy, group therapy, family work, and local Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

For clients who choose to remain in the Prescott, AZ area after completing residential treatment, we also offer a dedicated aftercare program available three days a week, including individual sessions with our ICGC-certified counselors. Our aftercare services are designed to provide continuous support, helping you maintain your progress and navigate any challenges that arise post-treatment.

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How can you recognize a gambling addiction?

While many people engage in gambling without developing an addiction, it becomes problematic when individuals continue gambling despite negative consequences. Addiction emerges when the allure of gambling outweighs other enjoyable aspects of life, such as spending time with loved ones. If gambling begins to interfere with your family life or causes sleep disturbances, it may be turning into an addiction.

Is gambling addiction considered a mental illness?

Yes. Gambling Disorder is currently the only behavioral (non-substance) addiction included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), where it sits in the chapter on Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. The World Health Organization's ICD-11 also recognizes Gaming Disorder as a behavioral addiction, and classifies Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder as a related clinical condition, so the broader landscape of behavioral addictions is evolving. Gambling Disorder shares several diagnostic criteria with substance use disorders, including tolerance, symptoms similar to withdrawal (such as restlessness or irritability when trying to stop), and the inability to reduce or stop gambling despite repeated attempts. Many of the men we treat have both a gambling addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition; these are dual diagnosis clients, and both conditions need to be addressed simultaneously for lasting recovery to be possible. You can read more here: Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Where can individuals seek help for a gambling addiction?

Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous can also provide assistance, and most states offer gambling-specific helplines. For gambling concerns specifically, the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). For co-occurring substance use or mental health concerns, the SAMHSA National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357.

At Prescott House our holistic approach to gambling addiction treatment extends beyond therapy sessions. We understand that a comprehensive recovery involves addressing various aspects of your life. As such, we provide comfortable housing and nutritious meals, ensuring that you have a supportive environment conducive to healing. Call us today – (866) 425-2470

How prevalent is gambling addiction?

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 1% of American adults meet criteria for severe Gambling Disorder, with an additional 2–3% experiencing some level of problem gambling. Rates are higher among adolescents and young adults, where research estimates 6% to 9% experience gambling-related harm — a group of particular concern as mobile sports betting becomes more widely accessible.

Can gambling addiction be overcome?

While recovering from gambling addiction can be challenging, it is indeed possible. Although no specific medications target gambling addiction, some can address co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. Motivational interviewing and various therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, can also be beneficial. Different individuals respond differently to treatment approaches, so it’s essential to find what works best for you.

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Does Prescott House treat sports betting addiction?

Yes. Prescott House treats men struggling with sports betting and other forms of gambling addiction. Our program focuses on helping clients understand the thoughts and emotions that drive compulsive betting. Treatment includes therapy, peer support, and relapse-prevention planning. We have seen a big uptick in admissions around online sports betting with the recent legalization in most states. Read our article: Winning the Bet Against Yourself: Understanding Sports Betting Addiction Statistics in 2025

Why do people come to Prescott, Arizona, for gambling addiction treatment?

Prescott is known for its calm setting and strong recovery community. Many men find that being away from casinos and triggers helps them focus on healing. Prescott House offers a supportive environment that encourages honesty, structure, and lasting recovery. The Prescott House Gambling Treatment for Men is a one of a kind and has been the place that worked for many who couldn't find help elsewhere.

Is Prescott House only for men with gambling addiction?

Yes. Prescott House is a residential treatment program for men. Focusing on men allows our team to address specific patterns such as financial secrecy, risk-taking, and relationship issues that often appear in male clients with gambling addiction.

Does insurance cover treatment for gambling addiction?

Coverage varies by plan. Some policies include behavioral addiction treatment under mental health benefits, while others require out-of-network coverage. Our admissions team can check your insurance and explain your options before you begin treatment.

How long is the gambling addiction treatment program?

The gambling-specific clinical curriculum lasts 45 days and forms the clinical core of our gambling treatment. However, Prescott House is built around an extended-care, long-term model, and most men stay considerably longer than the 45-day curriculum alone. The average length of stay in our on-campus program is 4 to 6 months, depending on individual progress, and some men stay 180+ days when extended care supports stronger outcomes, including time for employment readiness and reintegration.

Once a client has completed the on-campus phase, he transitions into our outpatient program, which is monitored for an additional 3 months. Successful integration into a healthy, gambling-free lifestyle marks graduation. Because of the length of this program and individual personal or professional commitments, we sometimes make exceptions with a 90-day commitment that includes a structured aftercare plan.

Throughout their time in the program, clients take part in community activities such as local 12-step meetings and volunteer work, experiences that help build confidence, structure, and lasting change.

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What does a typical day in treatment look like?

Each day includes group therapy, therapeutic activities, and peer support meetings. Clients also meet individually with their therapist at least once a week. As clients progress, we often add volunteer work and community involvement to balance the intensity of therapy and encourage giving back. The schedule combines structure, recovery work, and healthy routines that build accountability and confidence.

Can families be involved in the gambling addiction recovery process?

Yes. Family involvement helps rebuild trust and supports long-term recovery. At Prescott House, clients focus on their own growth first, before taking part in family therapy. Once they are ready, we offer a dedicated family session led by our family therapist, who prepares both the client and their loved ones in advance. These sessions are often followed by a weekend visit, giving families time together in a healthy setting. Every situation is different, so the timing and structure of family therapy depend on each client’s progress.

What happens if someone relapses after completing treatment?

Relapse can happen, but it does not mean failure. It shows that more support may be needed. Prescott House offers relapse-prevention planning, alumni support, and re-entry options for men who want to return to treatment.

What is the difference between gambling addiction and compulsive gambling?

“Gambling addiction” and “compulsive gambling” describe the same problem. The clinical term used in the DSM-5 is “Gambling Disorder.” It refers to gambling that continues despite harm to finances, relationships, or mental health.

Can gambling addiction occur alongside other addictions?

Yes. Many clients also struggle with other addictions or mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance use. Treating all issues at the same time gives the best chance for lasting recovery.

For more information:

• Gambling Addiction Recovery – Your Path to a New Beginning
• The Link Between Gambling Addiction and Mental Health
• Unlocking the Solution: Can Gambling Addiction Truly Be Cured?
• Problem Gambling Awareness Month: Navigating the Risks
• Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms in Gambling Addiction
• Skin Gambling Addiction: The Rise of a Risky Trend in Online Gaming
• Reclaiming Control: Proven Methods for Gambling Addiction Help

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