Gambling has often been called the hidden disease because those who are addicted show no outward physical signs in the way a drug addict or alcoholic would. The consequences can be just as devastating to individuals and their families, however. And the hardest step is acknowledging that a problem exists.

There are multiple treatment options for this compulsive disorder. One is the traditional 12-step program Gamblers Anonymous. One chooses a sponsor who is also recovering from addiction who can provide support when needed and valuable advice at any time. Another is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on reshaping attitudes by examining the mistaken beliefs and justifications that gamblers have developed. They learn to replace these false ideas with the truth about gambling and the burdens it causes not only to the gambler but also to friends and families.

One variation of the therapy approach is a four-step program: re-label, refocus, reattribute and revalue. Feelings and attitudes are changed in four steps as one examines mistaken ways of thinking and finds substitute feelings that are productive and worthy. Any program for treatment must be tailored to the individual who may gamble for a variety of reasons. That is why different, effective treatments for a gambling addiction are necessary.