How to Get Help
What Treatment Is Available for Problem and / or Pathological Gambling?
Most treatment options focus on individual or group psychotherapy and self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA). Gambler Anonymous is a 12 step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Medical treatment using SSRI prescription drugs and other antidepressants have also shown a benefit.
Pathological Gambling is a difficult and costly disorder to treat and few studies have been conducted to evaluate the success of any method of treatment. What is known is that there is a high failure rate. The study on the effectiveness of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) found that only 8% of GA members were in abstinence after one year in the group. i
The problem of ineffective treatment resources is compounded by the fact that few people seek treatment (only 3% per year), and when they do, most have to pay out of pocket for care because insurance often will not cover cost for treatment. An unusual source for treatment resources is the American Gaming Association (the gambling industry association itself) which has created a resource guide listing programs and efforts in each state to assist problem and pathological gamblers.
24 Hour Help Lines
National Problem Gambling Help Line Network 800-522-4700, toll free
Resources on the Internet
Gamblers Anonymous
NASPL Problem Gambling Bibliography
The Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders
Recovery Resources on Line
The Wager On Line Gambling Education Report
Electronic Journal of Gambling Issues
National Center for Responsible Gaming
National Council on Problem Gambling
Gambling Problems Resource Center
i P 4-15 NGISCR
