Rehab for Gambling Addiction in South Florida

“Compulsive gambling” shares many of the same features of other behavioral and substance addictions and has been formally classified as an addictive disorder since 2013. That’s when it became the first addiction not involving substance use to be recognized as a treatable condition— “pathological gambling,” the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) called it.

The fact that compulsive gambling is now understood to be a behavioral disorder that can be treated with therapy, as it is at FHE Health, is good news for anyone living with a gambling problem. It means that structured rehabilitation for gambling is now a recognized medical path. For a very long time, it was simply assumed that compulsive behaviors like gambling were bad habits and moral failings. (Sadly, much of this stigma still exists.)

Today, though, we now have a large body of evidence that shows compulsive gambling is treatable. In fact, researchers have been able to actually spot the disorder on brain imaging scans. Its symptoms seem to align with specific areas of brain dysfunction.

You Can Get Help for Your Gambling Addiction at FHE Health

At FHE Health, we understand the immense pain of a gambling problem. When you’re in the grip of a compulsive problem or serious addiction, it can be tempting to think you’re all alone and that there’s no way out and nobody can help. We want you to know that while we understand these feelings, you can get better. There is help, hope, and healing. We have a gambling specialist on staff who serves on the treatment team and offers focused care for gambling addiction.

In fact, many people with similar struggles have found freedom and a new beginning here at FHE. With the guidance of our experienced gambling specialist and evidence-based therapies that address the roots of their addiction, many patients have learned how to respond to their compulsive thoughts and feelings in healthier ways. This is the core goal of effective rehab for gambling addiction.

They’ve also found support through groupwork around addictions and a safe, sober, recovery-friendly living environment. Depending on the severity of the situation, our knowledgeable clinicians can also provide trusted referrals to more intensive, gambling-specific treatment and residential programs.

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Our Approach to Gambling Therapy

FHE Health has developed a specialized gambling therapy that has been designed specifically to treat the unique neural pathways of gambling addiction. Beginning at our residential treatment facility, our gambling rehab program provides individualized clinical therapies and psychiatric treatments to aid individuals on their road to recovery. Your medical doctor, psychiatrist, clinician, gambling specialist, and Case Manager will work side by side in conducting an initial assessment in order to customize a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Residential inpatient treatment is ideal for all addictions, compulsive gambling included, because it is the highest level of care offered and produces the best results. The goal: To create the best well-rounded treatment approach possible to optimize your recovery. In addition to the more mainstream gold standards of care that we adhere to, rehabilitation for gambling can include a variety of innovative neuroscience-based and other therapies.

Evidence-Based Treatment Methods for Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that around six million people in the United States suffer from a compulsive gambling problem that warrants treatment, and many of those people are suffering from a substance addiction as well. In addition, other studies have shown that there is a significant lack of gambling addiction treatment services for those who need help. At FHE Health, we want to bridge that gap and offer treatment for individuals seeking help for compulsive gambling behavior alongside treatment for substance abuse.

Our evidence-based gambling interventions were developed by clinicians with years of experience in this field and have helped over 1,200 patients who have suffered from gambling and substance addiction. People who struggle with compulsive gambling require treatment plans that address every aspect of their disease, from mental health concerns to social conditions. Every patient’s path is different, so each person’s needs are also addressed differently in order to create an effective treatment plan that is tailored to that individual.

Neuro Rehab

For almost every illness or medical condition, physiological measures such as X-rays, blood tests, and electrocardiograms are used to make a diagnosis. At FHE Health, we believe physiological evaluations can and should be administered to treat addiction. As we continue to learn more about how the brain, addiction, and mental illnesses work, we continue to find ways to more accurately diagnose addiction and track patients’ success during treatment.

While other treatment centers diagnose based only on a description of symptoms, we utilize a 5-Tier Neuro-Rehabilitative Treatment process, which includes analysis based on brain imaging, genetic blood testing, and other advanced protocols, which helps us to provide our clients with a full picture of their condition. Utilizing state-of-the-art systems in gambling rehab allows us to personalize your treatment plan to fit your specific needs. These diagnostic tools are also employed as a means to scientifically track your progress in treatment and tweak and personalize therapy and treatments where needed.

Family Interventions

Addiction not only affects the individual who is struggling; it affects everyone around them, hitting loved ones especially hard. Gambling can affect families in various ways. Most people struggling with a gambling problem are able to hide it for a long time, until the day when it’s impossible to hide. Often, family members—spouses, especially—are shocked and devastated when they hear how much money they’ve lost. The financial ruin caused by one person’s gambling problem has destroyed many families and relationships.

A gambling addiction can also have an emotional ripple effect. It’s not uncommon for loved ones to experience intense feelings of anger, betrayal, and grief. A gambling addiction can trigger mental health issues for family members as well; stress, anxiety, and depression can eventually take a toll on their physical health.

Start Your Healing Journey from Gambling Addiction Today

At FHE Health, we strive to give every patient the opportunity for a better life, not just for themselves, but for their families as well. Our medically integrated programs, which include family therapy sessions and a weekly online support group for mental health issues, will help both you and your loved ones identify core issues and dynamics and strengthen your relationship through healthy communication.

Get rehab for your gambling addiction today. Contact FHE Health to learn more about our inpatient gambling treatment today.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gambling Addiction Rehab

Q: What is gambling addiction and how is it treated at FHE Health?

A: Gambling addiction, also called compulsive or pathological gambling, is a behavioral disorder recognized by mental health professionals as treatable. FHE Health’s gambling addiction program addresses the issue through individualized clinical therapies, evidence-based treatment methods, and support from a gambling specialist, often within a structured residential program.

Q: Is gambling addiction treatment only for people who also have substance abuse issues?

A: No. While many individuals with gambling addiction may also struggle with substance use or co-occurring mental health concerns, FHE Health offers gambling treatment independently. Personalized plans are created whether gambling is the primary concern or part of a dual diagnosis.

Q: Do I need to live at the facility to receive gambling addiction treatment?

A: Residential (inpatient) treatment is often recommended because it provides a structured, supportive environment that minimizes external triggers. However, depending on your needs and clinical assessment, appropriate levels of care will be discussed with you.

Q: What should I expect during the gambling addiction treatment process?

A: Treatment typically begins with a clinical assessment to understand your unique challenges and needs. From there, a personalized plan may include individual therapy, group therapy, family support, and evidence-based interventions designed to address compulsive gambling behaviors and underlying issues.

Q: How do I know if I or a loved one really needs professional gambling addiction treatment?

A: Professional gambling addiction treatment is often recommended if gambling behaviors feel uncontrollable, if they’re causing serious life problems, or if attempts to cut back have been unsuccessful. A trained specialist can assess severity and recommend the most appropriate level of care.