Living with gambling addiction (gambling disorder) can make it difficult to control urges, regulate mood and emotions, maintain focus, sustain relationships, and stay in control of daily financial and personal responsibilities. At Pillars Health Group, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for gambling addiction that helps adults reduce or stop compulsive gambling behaviors, manage urges and triggers, and build healthier coping strategies. Whether you’ve recently recognized a problem or have been struggling for years, our experienced team is here to support you in working toward lasting recovery and improved daily functioning.
Treating Gambling Addiction in Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Gambling addiction (gambling disorder) can develop gradually as betting behaviors become more frequent, intense, or difficult to control. Over time, individuals may feel compelled to gamble despite negative financial, emotional, or relational consequences. Common symptoms may include preoccupation with gambling, increasing amounts of money or time spent gambling, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, chasing losses, restlessness or irritability when trying to stop, sleep disruption, anxiety or depression, and changes in behavior, energy, or motivation. These symptoms can interfere with work, relationships, financial stability, and overall well-being.
At Pillars Health Group, we provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for adults experiencing gambling addiction. Our clinical team creates individualized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapy, psychiatric care, medication management when appropriate, and practical recovery skills to help individuals reduce or stop gambling behaviors and regain stability.
Our gambling addiction treatment program is designed for individuals who:
- Struggle with compulsive or uncontrolled gambling behaviors
- Find it difficult to cut back or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Experience strong urges or preoccupation with gambling
- “Chase losses” or continue gambling to recover money lost
- Use gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Notice disruptions in sleep, mood, finances, or daily functioning due to gambling
- Need more support than traditional weekly therapy provides
- Are transitioning from a higher level of care or seeking structured outpatient treatment
Do You Need Treatment for Gambling Addiction?
Many individuals do not immediately recognize when gambling has become a problem. Over time, however, gambling dependence can develop and begin affecting mental health, financial stability, relationships, and daily functioning.
You may benefit from gambling addiction treatment if you experience:
- Difficulty controlling or reducing gambling behavior
- Gambling more often or with more money than intended
- Strong urges or preoccupation with gambling
- Restlessness, irritability, or anxiety when not gambling
- Sleep problems or fatigue
- Mood changes, including depression or irritability
- Decline in work, school, or relationship functioning
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
If these symptoms are persistent and affecting your daily life, professional evaluation and treatment may be helpful.
Gambling addiction often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mood disorders. These conditions can intensify compulsive behavior patterns, which is why we provide integrated care that addresses both behavioral addiction and mental health simultaneously.
Symptoms We Treat in Gambling Addiction Recovery
Gambling addiction can affect individuals emotionally, behaviorally, financially, and physically. Common symptoms include cravings and urges to gamble, loss of control over gambling behavior, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, anxiety, sleep disruption, fatigue, mood instability, financial distress, and difficulty functioning without engaging in gambling behaviors. Many individuals feel stuck in a cycle of gambling to escape stress while experiencing worsening consequences that are difficult to manage alone.
How Our Gambling Addiction Program Works
Every individual’s experience with gambling addiction is unique, which is why treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment.
During your assessment, our team will evaluate:
- Your gambling and behavioral addiction history
- Mental health history
- Medical history
- Current level of functioning
- Co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders
- Treatment goals
Based on your assessment, we’ll recommend the outpatient program that best fits your needs.
Some individuals benefit from our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program, while others are appropriate for our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program. Throughout care, your treatment plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your progress.
Our Treatment Approach for Gambling Addiction
Our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based approaches designed to help individuals stop or reduce gambling behaviors, manage urges, and build sustainable recovery skills.
Treatment may include:
Evidence-Based Therapies
Our clinicians utilize therapies supported by research, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), relapse prevention therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, coping skills training, and trauma-informed care.
Psychiatry
Our psychiatric providers conduct comprehensive evaluations and work closely with therapists to ensure coordinated, individualized care.
Medication Management
Medications may be used to support recovery from gambling addiction and to address co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or impulse control challenges. Our psychiatric providers carefully evaluate and monitor all medication needs.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides a supportive environment to build recovery skills, reduce isolation, and connect with others facing similar challenges with gambling behaviors and recovery.
Family Support
When appropriate, family members may participate in education and support services designed to improve communication, understanding, and support during recovery.
Other Clinical Services
Treatment may also include psychoeducation, relapse prevention planning, stress management skills, financial behavior awareness support, and coordination with outside providers.
Our Levels of Care for Gambling Addiction Treatment
Pillars Health Group offers flexible outpatient programs that allow individuals to receive structured treatment while continuing to live at home. During your assessment, our admissions team will recommend the level of care that best fits your needs.
Full-Day Outpatient Treatment (PHP)
Our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Partial Hospitalization Program) provides several hours of structured treatment each day, up to five days per week. This level of care is ideal for individuals who need intensive support without inpatient hospitalization.
Example of Full-Day Schedule for Gambling Addiction Treatment
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 am | Check-In and Goal Setting |
| 09:45 am | Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 10:45 am | Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch Break |
| 01:00 pm | Journaling |
| 01:30 pm | Psychoeducation / Recovery Skills |
| 02:45 pm | Wrap-Up |
| 03:30 pm | Check-Out |
Half-Day Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Intensive Outpatient Program) provides structured care while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Sessions typically occur three to five days per week depending on clinical needs.
Example of Half-Day Schedule for Gambling Addiction Treatment
Morning Program
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 am | Check-In and Goal Setting |
| 09:45 am | Group Therapy / CBT Skills |
| 10:45 am | Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) |
| 12:30 pm | Check-Out |
Evening Program
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 pm | Check-In and Goal Setting |
| 06:30 pm | Group Therapy / Recovery Skills |
| 07:30 pm | Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 09:00 pm | Check-Out |
What to Expect During Outpatient Gambling Addiction Treatment
Beginning treatment for gambling addiction can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the process structured, supportive, and approachable.
When you arrive:
- You don’t need to bring anything special
- We’ll guide you through the intake and admission process step by step
- You’ll meet members of your treatment team
- Your individualized treatment plan and schedule will be reviewed
Treatment length varies depending on your goals, symptom severity, and clinical needs. Some individuals complete treatment within several weeks, while others benefit from longer-term structured outpatient care before transitioning to traditional weekly therapy.
We also offer free insurance verification before admission so you can better understand your coverage and any potential costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We treat all forms of gambling disorder and behavioral addiction related to gambling. This includes addiction that develops from occasional recreational betting, escalating frequency or risk-taking behavior, compulsive or binge gambling patterns, long-term dependence, and gambling alongside other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, or co-occurring substance use disorders.
At Pillars Health Group, our outpatient gambling addiction treatment program begins with a comprehensive assessment of your gambling behaviors, mental health history, financial and personal impact, and recovery goals. From there, we develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs, responsibilities, and level of support required.
Your treatment plan may include individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention strategies. We also incorporate structured skill-building to help manage urges to gamble, reduce impulsive decision-making, improve emotional regulation, and support long-term recovery. Ongoing case management and discharge planning help ensure continued progress after treatment.
Medication is not required for everyone in gambling addiction treatment. While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for gambling disorder, some individuals may benefit from medication management to support co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or mood instability that can arise during recovery.
Our licensed psychiatric providers carefully evaluate each individual’s needs and, when appropriate, develop a safe and personalized medication plan that supports overall treatment goals and long-term stability.
When you complete treatment, we encourage participation in our Aftercare and Alumni Programs. These programs are designed to support long-term recovery by reinforcing coping strategies, relapse prevention skills, and emotional regulation techniques learned during treatment.
You’ll also have access to ongoing peer support, community resources, and continued therapeutic connections as you transition back into everyday life. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported well beyond your time in structured treatment.
Yes. Outpatient treatment for gambling addiction can be highly effective, especially for individuals who do not require 24-hour supervision. Our programs provide structured, evidence-based care in a flexible setting that allows you to maintain daily responsibilities while focusing on recovery.
If at any point a higher level of care is needed, our clinical team will work with you to adjust your treatment plan and ensure you receive the appropriate level of support.
If gambling is interfering with your work, relationships, financial stability, health, or daily functioning, it may be time to seek treatment. Other signs include difficulty controlling gambling behavior, strong urges or preoccupation with gambling, chasing losses, emotional “crash” symptoms such as anxiety or depression after gambling, or continuing to gamble despite negative consequences.
If any of these experiences feel familiar, reaching out for support can make a meaningful difference. You can contact our admissions team at any time for a free insurance verification and guidance on starting treatment.
We offer addiction treatment exclusively at our Tewksbury location: 890 East Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
Most major insurance plans provide coverage for outpatient behavioral health and mental health treatment. Our admissions team offers free insurance verification and can review your benefits with you before you begin care.
Yes. Many individuals continue working while participating in our half-day outpatient program (IOP). Those enrolled in our full-day outpatient program (PHP) may temporarily reduce work commitments while focusing on stabilization and recovery.
No. You do not need a referral to begin treatment. Most individuals can contact our admissions team directly to schedule a confidential assessment and get started.
Why Choose Pillars Health Group for Gambling Addiction Treatment?
Choosing the right treatment provider is an important step toward recovery from gambling addiction and improving overall well-being. At Pillars Health Group, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care designed to help adults stop compulsive gambling behaviors and rebuild stability in daily life.
Patients choose us because of our:
- Experienced multidisciplinary team of licensed mental health professionals
- Specialized outpatient programs for behavioral addictions and co-occurring conditions
- Individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments
- Integrated approach combining therapy, psychiatry, and medication management when appropriate
- Strong focus on evidence-based addiction treatment methods
- Supportive group environment that reduces isolation and promotes accountability
- Practical skill-building focused on relapse prevention and daily functioning
- Accredited programs that meet high standards for quality and care
Our goal isn’t simply to stop gambling—it’s to help individuals rebuild balance, improve mental and emotional health, restore stability, and develop sustainable recovery skills.
Get Gambling Addiction Treatment in Tewksbury, Massachusetts
If gambling is interfering with your work, relationships, finances, health, or daily life, you don’t have to manage it alone. The experienced team at Pillars Health Group is here to help you understand your options and find the level of care that’s right for you.
Take the first step today by calling our team at 855-828-0575 to speak with a caring admissions specialist. We offer free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.
We offer adult addiction treatment exclusively at our Tewksbury, Massachusetts location:
With the right treatment, individuals struggling with gambling addiction can reduce or stop compulsive gambling behaviors, regain emotional stability, improve focus and sleep, repair financial and relational harm, and rebuild a healthier, more balanced life. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
