Gambling Addiction Treatment in Cape Town

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Written by:

Liberty Home Group

Reviewed by: Vincent

  • Last Updated:
  • 27 January 2026

AI Overview

  • Gambling disorder is a serious behavioural addiction marked by loss of control, emotional distress, and harmful financial, social, and mental health consequences. In South Africa, increased access, especially online, has raised risk levels, particularly among younger people. 
  • Assessment and diagnosis rely on structured clinical criteria and screening tools, such as DSM-5 guidelines, PGSI, and SOGS, conducted by registered professionals to understand gambling behaviour, mental health factors, and individual needs.
  • Effective treatment is evidence-based and personalised, combining therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, motivational interviewing, family involvement, and, when appropriate, carefully monitored medication to address both gambling behaviour and underlying mental health conditions.
  • Long-term recovery is supported through structured residential care, sober living, aftercare planning, and relapse prevention, alongside practical supports such as harm-reduction tools, peer groups, and integrated care for co-occurring mental health challenges.

Understanding Gambling Disorder and Its Impact

Gambling disorder is a recognised behavioural addiction that goes far beyond occasional or recreational betting. It involves a persistent, often uncontrollable urge to gamble despite serious consequences. This pattern can disrupt relationships, drain finances, and affect performance at work or school.
 
In South Africa, gambling is widely available, from casinos to online platforms, making it easier than ever for casual use to spiral into something more harmful. The growth of mobile and online gambling has increased access, especially for younger people. According to the National Responsible Gambling Programme, around 3–5% of South Africans are considered at risk of problem gambling, with higher rates among men and younger adults.
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Overview of Gambling Addiction

Gambling disorder is diagnosed based on criteria in the DSM-5, which help professionals identify persistent patterns of behaviour, such as needing to gamble with increasingly larger sums, trying to stop but feeling unable to, or continuing to gamble despite serious personal, financial, or emotional consequences. For a clinical diagnosis, at least four of these signs must be present within 12 months. If you or your loved one is struggling with these patterns, it might already be affecting your wellbeing, relationships, or sense of control.
 
That emotional and mental toll is important, and it’s not something you have to ignore or carry alone. In Cape Town, our team uses structured criteria alongside reliable screening tools not just to confirm a diagnosis, but to truly understand what’s happening and guide the most appropriate care. 

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Recognising the signs of gambling addiction can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to admit when things have gone too far, especially when gambling may have started as a form of escape or entertainment. Common warning signs include hiding or lying about gambling habits, borrowing money to continue gambling, struggling to meet work or family responsibilities, and feeling compelled to ‘win back’ previous losses.
 
You might also notice emotional shifts like increasing anxiety, irritability, or low mood when gambling is interrupted or unavailable. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a gambling disorder. These include a family history of addiction, early exposure to gambling, underlying mental health challenges that haven’t been addressed, and having constant access to gambling, especially through online or mobile platforms.

 

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Assessment and Diagnosis: Understanding Gambling Addiction

At Liberty Home, we understand how vulnerable you may feel, and we’re here to support you with care and dignity from the very beginning. Our assessment process is designed to offer clarity and set the stage for meaningful, personalised care.
 
During this phase, we take time to build a deep understanding of your emotional, psychological, and behavioural patterns, so we can tailor your treatment in a way that truly fits your needs. All initial assessments are carried out by experienced professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). This ensures that every evaluation is conducted ethically and in accordance with local clinical standards, while also enabling us to develop a treatment plan that supports both your recovery and long-term well-being.

Screening Tools Used in South Africa 

In South Africa, clinicians often use internationally recognised screening tools like the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) to better understand your relationship with gambling. These tools aren’t tests you can 'pass' or 'fail'; they’re designed to gently explore patterns around things like how often you gamble, financial impacts, and emotional stress. 

Initial Clinical Evaluation and Care Planning

During your initial clinical assessment, we take time to understand your full story through in-depth interviews, a personal and family history, mental health screening, and safety or risk evaluation. This is also where we explore whether any co-occurring conditions, like anxiety or depression, may be playing a role in your gambling behaviour. 

Based on what we learn together, we’ll develop a personalised care plan that outlines key therapeutic priorities and the most appropriate level of support, whether that’s residential inpatient treatment, our structured sober living setting, or a gradual step-down path. This plan becomes the foundation for meaningful, sustained recovery.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options in Cape Town

Recovery from gambling addiction is possible with the right support, structure, and therapeutic guidance. Effective treatment depends on evidence-based approaches within a safe, consistent environment. We focus on psychological therapies that help you understand the underlying causes of compulsive behaviours, learn to manage emotional triggers, and develop healthier coping strategies.
 
Our approach to treating gambling disorders is grounded in clinical integrity and compassion, supported by a team that truly walks with you through the process. While therapy is central to our model, when clinically appropriate, medication may also be included as part of a broader treatment plan. Each element of care is tailored to meet your unique needs and long-term goals.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Involvement

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) supports clients in recognising unhelpful thinking patterns and learning how to respond with healthier behaviours. Many people find it empowering to discover how their shifts in thinking can reduce urges and break the cycle of compulsive gambling.
 
Motivational interviewing (MI) helps you reconnect with your own reasons for recovery. This conversational approach gently addresses ambivalence, making space for honest reflection and personal motivation to grow. 
 
Family therapy is often part of the healing process. We understand how deeply prolonged gambling can strain relationships and how hard it can be to rebuild trust. By involving loved ones, we open up communication, address painful dynamics, and begin to restore a sense of safety and connection.

When Medication May be Considered for Gambling Addiction Recovery

In some situations, medication can form a supportive part of your overall care plan. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are sometimes used when there are underlying conditions like anxiety or depression, while medications such as naltrexone have been shown to help reduce the intensity of gambling urges in certain individuals. Any decision involving medication is made after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, and always in collaboration with a registered psychiatrist.
 
At Liberty Home, we partner with trusted external specialists to ensure safe, ethical, and well-monitored medication management. Importantly, no one is prescribed medication without careful consideration and shared agreement as part of their personalised treatment approach.
Our residential phase provides 24/7 support in a calm, home-like therapeutic setting where structure and compassion go hand in hand. Each day follows a steady rhythm that includes one-on-one therapy, skills-based groups, mindfulness practices, shared meals, and time to reflect. As you progress through this phase, we begin gently preparing you for the next step: transitioning into sober living.
 
Here, you maintain a therapeutic connection while gradually taking on more personal responsibility in a supportive community. This carefully guided shift nurtures confidence, accountability, and long-term recovery.
Most clients stay in residential care for 6 to 12 weeks. After this, many transition into our structured sober living programme, where the level and duration of support is tailored to your progress, needs, and readiness for more independence. From early on, we work with you to create a thoughtful, personalised discharge plan.
 
This often includes connecting you with trusted local or online therapists, mapping out daily routines, and developing realistic strategies for managing triggers. We also focus on building confidence and stability in the lead-up to leaving care. 

 

Relapse prevention is grounded in compassion, structure, and practical tools. We help you identify personal triggers and empower you with evidence-based strategies like urge surfing, cognitive reframing, and adaptive coping techniques. 
 
These plans aren’t just theoretical; they’re supported by ongoing check-ins, honest peer accountability, and a structured environment that encourages openness without shame. Recovery is a long road, and setbacks can happen. We don’t see relapse as failure, but as a signal for deeper support and reflection.
While our programme centres around residential and structured sober living care, we understand that every journey is different. Some individuals may be exploring outpatient treatment or day treatment options, which can offer flexibility and may suit certain needs or life circumstances. If you’re unsure which path is the right fit, our team is here to help you assess your situation and goals.

Residential Care and Recovery Pathways at our Rehab Centre in Cape Town

At Liberty Home, we offer structured inpatient care in Cape Town, followed by transitional sober living to support long-term recovery. Our care pathway is designed for individuals who are ready to step away from harmful patterns and reconnect with themselves in a clinically guided, supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking help for substance use or navigating gambling addiction recovery in Cape Town, we’re here to walk alongside you with care and clarity.
 
Our goal is not just short-term stability, but sustained healing. We support you in creating lasting change, helping you build confidence, restore daily structure, and re-establish meaningful routines that support long-term wellbeing.

Treating Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

t’s common for people struggling with gambling addiction to also live with underlying mental health conditions. We offer integrated care for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. By addressing these co-occurring issues alongside addictive behaviours, we help reduce relapse risk and strengthen long-term recovery outcomes. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with you to build a personalised treatment plan that treats the whole person, not just the visible symptoms.

 

Integrated Care for Dual Diagnosis at our Rehab Facilities

Dual diagnosis care brings together mental health professionals, addiction counsellors, and peer recovery staff to support you as a whole person. If you’ve been living with anxiety, depression, or undiagnosed ADHD while also struggling with gambling, you’re not alone. Many people use gambling activities to escape painful emotions or to try to calm their minds.
 
We understand how hard it is when these challenges overlap, especially when shame or confusion makes it feel impossible to talk about. Our integrated approach means we address both the underlying causes of addiction and mental health concerns, along with gambling behaviour. 

 

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We provide a structured yet nurturing daily routine that includes individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, wellness practices, and time for personal reflection. This rhythm helps you feel emotionally safe while supporting the development of healthy habits and self-awareness. Your privacy is carefully protected, in line with South African law and professional ethical standards.
Gambling can deeply strain relationships, finances, and a sense of personal stability. We understand how painful this can be, so we include family in the healing process whenever possible, offering guidance around communication, optional joint therapy sessions, and open, respectful updates.
 
Financial stress and legal concerns often go hand in hand with gambling harm. We provide practical, compassionate support by helping you make sense of your current situation and connecting you to trusted professionals for debt counselling, budgeting, or legal advice where needed. If your gambling has led to issues in the workplace or with the law, we’ll help you stabilise and take supportive steps toward resolution, so you can start rebuilding with clarity and integrity.

What Gambling Addiction and Rehab Involves

Deciding to seek help for gambling addiction often can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to have questions or worries about what comes next, and understanding the process can ease some of that uncertainty. 
 
Our programme combines clinical structure with genuine compassion, always grounded in respect, trust, and confidentiality. We also offer guidance through the practical challenges that often accompany recovery.

Costs, Medical Aid, and Clinical Standards in South Africa

In South Africa, accessing high-quality care typically involves private payment. At Liberty Home, we operate as a private-pay facility, which means we don’t process direct claims through medical aids.
 
While this model may raise understandable financial concerns, our team is committed to clarity, trust, and planning from day one. We believe that transparent communication around pricing and care helps you and your loved ones make informed, confident decisions. From the initial assessment through to aftercare planning, we uphold strict clinical and ethical standards to ensure the support you receive is grounded, compassionate, and reliable.

What Private Treatment Typically Costs in Cape Town

The cost of residential gambling treatment in Cape Town can vary depending on individual needs, length of stay, and the scope of therapeutic and aftercare support. At Liberty Home, we offer an all-inclusive fee structure that covers your treatment, accommodation, meals, and daily clinical programming, designed to help reduce financial uncertainty during what can already feel like an overwhelming time. While our programme is privately funded, we understand that financial considerations play a significant role in beginning treatment.

 

Licensing, Accreditation, and HPCSA/SACSSP Credentials

We operate in full alignment with South African health and social development regulations, under the oversight of provincial authorities. Our clinical and therapeutic staff are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), which means your care is delivered by professionals held to nationally recognised ethical and clinical standards. This level of accreditation gives you and your loved ones the reassurance that treatment is both professionally accountable and grounded in evidence-based practice.

Self-Help and Harm Reduction Resources in the Western Cape

Taking the first small step, whether you’re ready for treatment or just starting to recognise the impact of gambling, can feel daunting, but it matters. If you’re not yet ready for residential care or want to build on what you’re already doing, there are local tools available that can help you feel more in control. Resources like banking restrictions, self-exclusion programmes, and peer groups are available throughout the Western Cape.
 
These aren’t just regulatory measures; they can offer a sense of structure, relief, and empowerment during a time that may feel overwhelming. If you’re seeking help with a gambling problem in Cape Town, you don’t have to do it alone. There are practical supports available to help you reduce harm and begin moving toward stability.

Self-exclusion, Banking Limits, and Device-level Blocks

Taking practical steps to reduce your access to gambling is a powerful way to reclaim control. The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board offers voluntary self-exclusion from licensed gambling venues; an option many have used to protect themselves during difficult periods. You can also set daily or transaction limits with your bank, helping to reinforce boundaries around spending.
 
On a technical level, you might choose to install blocking software like Gamban or BetBlocker on your phone or computer. These tools aren’t about restriction alone; they’re about building safety, creating space to pause, and supporting early changes in behaviour when you’re ready to take the first steps.

Helplines and Peer Support Groups

Finding a connection with others who understand what you’re going through can make a real difference. Peer-led groups like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and SMART Recovery offer safe, non-judgemental spaces, both in Cape Town and online, where you can share experiences, build accountability, and learn practical coping tools at your own pace. If you’re not ready to talk in person, confidential helplines such as the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) are available to support you or your family and can help guide you toward local services when you’re ready.

Find Your Rehabilitation Centre in Cape Town at Liberty Home

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling addiction, you’re not alone. Our team at Liberty Home is here to listen, without judgement, and help you explore whether our structured residential care is right for your situation. It’s okay if you’re unsure about the next step.

Contact Us

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Frequently Asked Questions

What treatments are available for gambling addiction in Cape Town?

For gambling addiction in Cape Town, you’ll experience a range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your needs. These may include individual counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, family sessions, and guided peer support groups.

During gambling addiction treatment in Cape Town, you can expect a safe and structured environment where your emotional wellbeing is a top priority. Our programme includes personalised therapy sessions, ongoing emotional support, and clear behavioural boundaries, all within a compassionate, community-based setting. 

Gambling addiction treatment in Cape Town usually lasts between 6 and 12 weeks in a residential setting, with the option to transition into sober living for ongoing support. The exact length of your stay depends on your unique needs, challenges, and the pace of your progress. 

Most gambling addiction treatment programmes in Cape Town, including ours at Liberty Home, are not covered by medical aid. Our services are private-pay, but we’re here to guide you through the process.

 

Yes. At Liberty Home, we take an integrated approach to treating gambling addiction alongside co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Our team understands how deeply these issues can interact and how important it is to treat them together.
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