Is Short-Term Gambling Rehab Effective?

There are many reasons why someone would want to choose a short-term gambling addiction treatment program, but is a short-term gambling rehab program effective?

Cost of Short-Term Gambling Treatment

When dealing with a gambling addiction there is almost always financial stress. Not surprisingly, it’s usually the financial strains that push an individual, or their family, into seeking gambling addiction treatment. Because of this, some people will look to short term gambling treatment instead of long term to save costs. However, some studies have shown that those with a compulsive gambling disorder need to partake in an average of six short term programs to really make progress towards recovery. 

When added up, the cost of several short-term programs can often equal or exceed the cost of a longer stay program.

The Time Commitment

If you are the breadwinner, have children, have an inflexible job, or other responsibilities, stepping out of those roles for 30+ days can be daunting and seem unattainable. How can you ask for that long of a ‘time out’ and lean on people who are likely already at the end of their patience for support during this time?

This is a very common concern, but we have noticed the following:

1. People are much more patient and forgiving when you are seeking help.
2. The time spent in treatment would likely have been spent at the casino or playing slots.

There is No “Cure,” Only Commitment

Compulsive gambling develops from changes to your brain chemistry and results in deep behavioral patterns. There is no ‘cure’ for gambling addiction and to work on recovery you need to make a commitment to it. That commitment starts with your decision to get treatment and to really commit to that treatment. While many people seeking treatment for gambling addiction are first looking for a short stay, most want to stay even longer than that 30-day mark.

Your Recovery is Our Goal

Some gambling rehab centers will offer short programs because they still get paid, regardless of your success. If your 7-day gambling addiction program isn’t enough to help you develop the strategies to abstain from gambling, they benefit from your return for another stay. At Algamus, we are focused on helping people overcome compulsive gambling addiction. Many of our staff are in recovery from compulsive gambling and understand the unique issues surrounding gambling.

We are perhaps the top gambling specific treatment center in the United States and have some of the highest accreditations. We know that it can take time to get to a place of acceptance and empowerment to make the behavioral changes needed to create a life free from gambling, and we also know that you’re going to have a better chance to reach that place if you are not rushed. 

We have helped many people, just like you, make the time and commitment to recovery, and have seen wonderful outcomes from it. Please contact us today to discuss treatment options for gambling addiction.