What is Gambling Disorder Treatment?
Published: July 28, 2025
What is gambling disorder? A gambling disorder is a medical condition, much like other kinds of addictions, and overcoming it involves taking steps to get the help you or a loved one needs to move forward with the process of recovery.
The first step in gambling disorder treatment is also the biggest: asking for help. People who experience a gambling disorder are often faced with very real social stigmas, which lead them to try to hide what they’re going through. But it’s okay to ask for help. Acknowledging that gambling might be harming your life, your relationships, or your career — and contacting a professional to talk about it — is a powerful way to move toward recovery.
After you’ve contacted someone to ask for help with your gambling disorder, there are many ways you can get that help. Many organizations will begin by offering you a medical questionnaire or assessment to make a diagnosis, determine what treatment approach might be right for you, and get your contact information. After that, you will be directed to meet with a treatment professional.
While everyone’s treatment experience will be different, types of gambling disorder treatment include:
- Counseling: Conducted either one-on-one or with a group, counseling is guided by a professional and includes a variety of different methods to help you manage your disordered gambling while continuing your regular day-to-day routine.
- Peer Support: Sometimes you need to talk to someone who’s gone through it. That’s the value of peer support. Peer supporters — both professionals and people you meet in a group like Gambler’s Anonymous — can help you understand the recovery journey and walk beside you as you go on it.
- Treatment Programs: There are many different types of treatment programs, from full-time residential treatment to structured outpatient treatment. These programs generally require you to be available for longer periods of time or live in a facility temporarily. Additional addiction treatment services are also often offered.
Gambling treatment organizations that offer all the above services and more are available throughout Ohio — from rural communities to big cities. To find options near you, visit GamblingHelpOhio.org. You can search by zip code and city to locate gambling disorder treatment near you.
Not sure what’s right for you? That’s okay. The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline can help you sort through it. The Helpline is free and confidential, and trained and understanding specialists are available 24/7 to take your call with no strings or commitments attached. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.