“It’s not about the money—it’s about escaping pain, chasing a high, or trying to feel in control.”
For many, gambling starts as a thrill—but when it becomes a way to cope or escape, it can quickly turn into something far more serious. You may find yourself betting more than you intended, lying to loved ones, or feeling stuck in a cycle that feels impossible to break.
According to Yale Medicine, “Gambling disorder affects about 1% of Americans who can’t stop despite the consequences.” It’s often linked with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, making recovery feel even more complex—but also more necessary.
At Clover Behavioral Health, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Andover, MA, offers the support you need to reclaim control. Through expert-led therapy, peer support, and a personalized care plan, we walk beside you—step by step—toward lasting recovery.
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck. Let’s start your recovery journey, together.
Understanding Gambling Addiction Beyond the Surface
Gambling addiction goes beyond finances; it refers to losing one’s self in the pursuit of relief and coping while feeling confined. Be it sports, casinos, or online platforms, the gamble for emotional relief can become a vicious cycle of entertainment.
To many, gambling serves as a method of relieving stress or anxiety and depression. This method of gaming develops into a handicapping reliance. It is important to know that this is not a defect of self-control. Rather this requires a gentle approach, systematic help, and understanding as it is a mental health issue.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, Massachusetts ranks among the top 10 U.S. states for gambling participation, especially in online and sports betting.
The first step toward solving any issue is understanding its full problem scope, and yes there are resources out there to help.
Why IOP Might Be the Right Fit for You
Starting recovery does not require every individual to go through inpatient rehab.
Here at IOP in Andover, MA, we offer a balanced hybrid approach to care, where clients can continue staying at home and attending to their responsibilities while receiving consistent, intensive care several times a week.
Our programs are designed to be:
Flexible:
Group therapy is available during the day and evening.
Personalized:
Treatment is based on the individual’s needs and specific triggers.
Supportive:
Group therapy is conducted alongside individual counseling.
Connected:
Community resources such as Gambler’s Anonymous are available.
What to Expect During Gambling Treatment In Andover, MA
No treatment is the same, and neither is recovery. Under our care, healing happens in stages. With proper guidance every step of the way, reflection and improvement are inevitable. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is divided into three phases, each promoting personal development and growth at your own pace.
1. Active Recovery Phase
In this very first phase, gaining a deep understanding of gambling motivation is the focus. This is done through group therapy that is led with compassion and understanding of coping mechanisms. Support is offered throughout so that practical skills can be achieved, along with connection with people who deeply empathize with your journey.
2. Continuing Care
In this phase, weekly sessions focusing on maintaining stability allow for further progression. These groups alleviate burnout through addressing relapse prevention, long-term recovery maintenance, and stress relief. From this point onward, keeping up will be effortless even after treatment ends.
3. Family and Community Support
Your loved ones are empowered with information and resources to actively assist in recovery. This ensures that trust and connection are rebuilt along with robust health. We believe that true recovery should be holistic, never in confinement. That is why we include important people in your life in your journey, so healing can occur in the community.
Discover how recovery starts: IOP for Addiction in Billerica, MA: Overcoming Prescription Drug Abuse — Real support. Real change.
Is It a Gambling Problem? Here Are Some Signs
Thinking about if your gambling has turned into an addiction? Consider these questions:
- Do you get edgy when trying to cut back on gambling?
- Have you concealed or fabricated the amount spent on gambling?
- Do you notice work, relationships, or your life in general suffering due to gambling?
- Do you engage in betting with the intention of getting back your previous losses?
- Have you found yourself attempting to quit but are unable to do so?
If these seem to resonate with you, then looking for professional help is highly recommended.
Real Story of Recovery: Julie’s Journey from Gambling Addiction to Healing
Julie, 55, began gambling after her divorce, using it as a way to escape emotional stress and ease financial pressure. What started as occasional visits to the pokies soon spiraled into a damaging cycle of chasing losses and hiding debt from her family.
Feeling ashamed and isolated, she finally reached out for help. Through a supportive counselor, she began face-to-face therapy where she learned to understand her triggers and take back control. Opening up to her family was difficult, but it was also important for her healing.
With time, commitment, and continued support, Julie now lives a debt-free and emotionally stable life. Her journey, shared in Julie’s Story – Gambling Help Queensland, is a real example of how recovery is possible.
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Gambling addiction can sneak up on you—impacting your mental health, your time, and your connections with others. But real transformation happens the instant you choose to contact someone for help. Clover Behavioral Health professionals not only help you to stop one habit—we assist in rebuilding your life using safety, organization, and empathy.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program in Andover, MA, is especially personlized for you regardless of where you are in your journey; whether you’re just starting or trying again after a setback. We won’t cast judgment here. Instead, you will find acceptance and support that works for you as well as compassion that won’t disrupt your daily life.
It’s time to share what you’ve been carrying by yourself. Let this transform your situation into something much better—a time when help steps in and hope starts to grow. Contact Clover Behavioral Health today and take your first step toward freedom and stability with a team that truly understands what you’re going through.
