Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling or compulsive gambling, is a serious mental health disorder that affects an estimated 1-3% of adults worldwide. It is characterized by an inability to control impulsive urges to gamble despite the negative consequences. Understanding the recovery rates and factors that influence successful treatment outcomes is important for finding the most effective ways to help those struggling with this addiction. This article will provide an overview of gambling addiction recovery rates based on the latest research.
What percentage of gambling addicts recover?
According to studies, the recovery rate for gambling addiction varies widely depending on the treatment methods used and how recovery is defined. When looking at abstinence rates after treatment, studies have found recovery rates ranging from as low as 7% to as high as 75% among those who receive professional treatment. However, abstinence alone may not be the best measure of recovery. Many experts argue that reduction in gambling behaviors and improvement in overall functioning are also important goals in recovery.
When including those who experience significant improvement but are not necessarily abstinent after treatment, recovery rates are generally higher. One meta-analysis looking at 29 gambling treatment studies found that the average rate of reduced or ceased gambling after treatment was 47%. However, it is difficult to precisely determine overall recovery rates across populations given the variability in treatment methods and outcome measures used in studies. Long-term follow-up studies are also limited.
Factors influencing gambling addiction recovery
There are several key factors that appear to influence someone’s chance of achieving recovery from gambling addiction:
Type and duration of treatment
The type and length of gambling addiction treatment can impact recovery success. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, group therapy, medications, 12-step programs, and residential treatment centers have all shown effectiveness in treating gambling disorder. In general, studies find that participating in any form of treatment leads to higher abstinence rates compared to no treatment.
However, recovery is often a long-term process requiring ongoing care. One study found that longer durations of therapy (18+ weeks) were associated with significantly higher rates of abstinence (65%) compared to shorter treatments (17-35% abstinence). This suggests that extended, comprehensive treatment may provide the best chance of sustained recovery.
Co-occurring disorders
Many people struggling with compulsive gambling also have co-occurring mental health or substance abuse disorders. The presence of conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, alcohol/drug dependence is associated with lower recovery rates compared to gambling disorder alone. Successfully managing these other conditions alongside gambling addiction treatment appears to improve outcomes.
Motivation and commitment to change
A person’s readiness and commitment to stop gambling influences their potential for achieving abstinence or reduced gambling behaviors. Those who are pressured into treatment by loved ones tend to have poorer outcomes compared to individuals who self-refer for help. Building motivation, addressing ambivalence about change, and developing better coping skills are often important goals in the early stages of recovery.
Social support and lifestyle factors
Having social support and a lifestyle free of gambling triggers also supports long-term recovery. Group therapy, 12-step programs, and family involvement can help build a social network and accountability for avoiding or reducing gambling. Learning to identify and manage triggers, develop healthful routines/hobbies, and address underlying issues like trauma or relationship problems also help maintain changes.
Relapse prevention strategies
Relapse is common in gambling addiction recovery. Developing an effective relapse prevention plan lowers the risk of returning to problematic gambling behaviors. This may involve identifying triggers, learning coping skills, changing unhelpful thoughts about gambling, budgeting and money management tips, and establishing safety nets like barring oneself from gambling establishments. Ongoing treatment, 12-step group participation, and lifestyle changes help former gamblers recognize warning signs and intervene before a minor slip becomes a full relapse.
Recovery rates by demographics and gambling severity
Research shows that recovery rates can vary across different demographic groups and levels of gambling severity:
| Group | Recovery Rate % |
|---|---|
| Men | 49% |
| Women | 61% |
| Adolescents | 71-81% |
| College Students | 50% |
| Older Adults | 61-71% |
– Women tend to have higher rates of recovery compared to men.
– Adolescents and older adults are more likely to achieve abstinence after treatment compared to other age groups.
– Those with less severe gambling problems at the start of treatment have better outcomes. In one study, the abstinence rate was 61% for people with moderate gambling problems vs. 44% for people with severe, chronic gambling addiction.
– Higher motivation, social support, and lower co-occurring disorders also predict better recovery rates among all groups.
Maintenance of recovery over time
A major challenge in gambling disorder recovery is avoiding relapse after completing treatment. While outcomes immediately following therapy may be positive, relapse rates appear to increase significantly over time.
One literature review found that nearly 80% of people relapsed within 24 months after stopping gambling addiction treatment. Other studies show that more than half relapse within 1-2 years. This demonstrates the chronic, recurring nature of gambling addiction that requires ongoing diligence and support.
Participating in aftercare services can help maintain positive changes over many years. One study provided free aftercare involving CBT booster sessions to people who completed an initial gambling treatment program. After 3 years, 65% had sustained recovery and significant reductions in gambling. This compares favorably to relapse rates of 50% or higher within 1-2 years after most addiction treatments end.
Developing a strong continuing care plan and using relapse prevention strategies are critical for reducing the risk of returning to problematic gambling behaviors over time. This may include following an individualized treatment plan, attending 12-step groups, pursuing therapy/counseling, using relapse prevention medications if prescribed, identifying triggers, journaling, exercising, practicing mindfulness techniques, keeping busy with meaningful hobbies and activities, and reducing exposure to gambling.
Conclusion
Recovery from gambling addiction is challenging but many people can achieve success through professional treatment, motivation to change, social support, developing healthful routines/coping strategies, and ongoing aftercare. Exact recovery rates are variable based on different definitions of recovery, but studies show that receiving treatment is associated with significantly higher rates of reduced or ceased gambling compared to no treatment. Certain groups like adolescents and the highly motivated may have better outcomes. However, recovery is a long-term process with high relapse rates over time if aftercare and prevention plans are not maintained. While each person’s journey is unique, building a comprehensive treatment approach and continuing support system offers the best chance for successful, sustained recovery from gambling addiction.