Recovering from a Gambling Addiction

Gambling can start as entertainment, a way to switch off, or a way to feel hopeful about changing your situation. Over time, it can quietly take control, creating stress, secrecy, and harm that feels hard to stop.

If gambling has begun to impact your finances, relationships, mental health, or sense of self, you are not weak and you are not alone. Recovery is possible, and support can help you regain control.

At The Overcomers Place, we support people recovering from gambling addiction through a structured, compassionate, and evidence-based day program designed to help restore stability, safety, and direction in life.

When gambling stops feeling like a choice

Many people experiencing gambling harm describe feeling caught in patterns of:

• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, boredom, or emotional pain

• Wanting to stop or cut back, but feeling unable to

• Hiding gambling behaviour, debts, or losses from others

• Chasing losses in an attempt to “fix” the situation

• Feeling restless, irritable, or distressed when trying to stop

Gambling addiction is not a lack of discipline or self-control. It is linked to how the brain and nervous system respond to reward, stress, and emotional discomfort. Over time, gambling can become a learned coping strategy that is difficult to interrupt without support.

This is why recovery often requires more than just willpower.

A different approach to gambling recovery

Sustainable recovery is supported when people feel safe, supported, and connected, while learning practical tools to respond differently to urges, emotions, and financial stress.

At The Overcomers Place, recovery from gambling addiction focuses on:

• Interrupting compulsive gambling patterns

• Learning skills to manage urges, emotions, and stress

• Supporting nervous system regulation and emotional balance

• Rebuilding trust, relationships, and financial stability

• Creating healthy routines and alternatives to gambling

Our program is neuroscience-informed, trauma-aware, and led by a lived-experience counselling team who understand recovery from the inside out.

The Overcomers Place offers a structured, non-residential day program (Monday to Friday) for those seeking recovery from an addiction of any kind. Our addiction support groups are free of charge* for the duration of your program, and will provide you with the practical support you need to regain control of your physical, mental and emotional health. Therapy sessions run from Monday to Friday, and are here to provide you with the practical, evidence-based support you need to regain control of your physical, mental and emotional health.