How do i know if i have gambling addiction problem?

Common signs include: Obsessive thoughts about gambling Increasing bets to feel the same thrill Lying to family or friends about gambling activities Gambling to escape stress or anxiety Difficulty stopping despite harmful consequences If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to get professional help.

What type of Gambling Addiction treatments do you provide?

We provide individualized treatment plans according to the patient's needs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychiatric evaluation and medication (if co-occurring conditions exist) Family counseling Telepsychiatry for flexible care Support groups and educational sessions

Can Your Doctors Prescribe Medication?

We are able to prescribe a range of medications on a patient basis to aid in their recovery from a disorder.

Does Your Clinic Accept Insurance?

Yes we accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, Cigna & Medicaid to name a few. Alternatively we also have the option of affordable, sliding scale cash plans.

Do you treat any other type of mental health disorder?

Of course! The One-Stop Psychiatric Clinic has a team of psychiatrists, clinicians, and therapists that provide consistent care with tailor-fit treatments to suit your needs. No matter how you are feeling, we will help you!

Gambling Addiction Treatment in Florida

Same-day visits are often possible

See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. Ages 6 and up. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.

Request an appointment Call (754) 270-6322

Gambling disorder, or compulsive gambling, means you can’t resist the urge to gamble, even as it costs you money, relationships or work. The brain responds to it a lot like it does to alcohol or drugs, which is why willpower alone often isn’t enough. Not sure if it has become a problem? Read about the signs of gambling addiction.

We help people with gambling problems at our Fort Lauderdale office and by video anywhere in Florida. It often helps to treat the depression or anxiety that comes with it too.

Signs of a Gambling Problem

Thinking about gambling a lot, or planning ways to get money for it
Needing bigger bets to feel the same excitement
Chasing losses
Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back
Gambling to escape stress, sadness or anxiety
Lying about how much you gamble
Borrowing money to cover losses
Losing a job, relationship or opportunity over it

The American Psychiatric Association defines gambling disorder as having 4 or more of these. Many people feel ashamed and hide it, and many only get help after someone close to them pushes.

How We Help

It starts with an honest psychiatric evaluation: how gambling is affecting you, and whether depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or substance use are part of it.

Therapy

CBT helps you spot triggers and change the thinking that keeps you gambling. We offer therapy, though openings depend on our therapists’ schedules.

Medicine

No medicine is FDA-approved for gambling disorder. Early research suggests antidepressants and naltrexone may help some people. Treating depression or anxiety can also lower the urge. Your provider will tell you honestly what might help.

Support

Self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program, help many people. Cutting off access, like self-exclusion from casinos and betting apps, helps too.

How to Get Started

1. Ask for an appointment

Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and same-day visits are often possible.

2. We call you back

Our staff check your insurance, send your intake packet and confirm the time of your visit and whether it’s in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video.

3. Your first visit

Your provider goes over your symptoms, history, past treatment and current medications, then talks through a plan with you. Bring a rough idea of how often you gamble and how much you’ve lost. There’s no judgment.

Common Questions

Is gambling addiction a real condition?

Yes. Gambling disorder is a recognized psychiatric diagnosis, and it’s treatable.

Is there a medicine for gambling?

None is FDA-approved for it, but some medicines may help, especially when depression or anxiety is involved.

Can I get help by video?

Yes, while you’re in Florida.

Can family members get involved?

Yes, with the patient’s permission. Family support helps a lot.

Does insurance cover it?

Coverage depends on your plan. Our staff check it before your visit, and we have sliding-scale self-pay rates.

Insurance and Cost

We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we have sliding-scale rates if you’re paying yourself. We check your coverage before the visit. The price of the medication itself depends on your pharmacy and plan. More on insurance.

We see patients from age 6, and same-day visits are often possible. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish. Request an appointment or call (754) 270-6322.

Who You’ll See

Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. You can meet our providers before you book, and our staff can help you choose someone who’s a good fit.

Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist

Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician

Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner

Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian

Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant

Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and Hindi

We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.

Sources: MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Compulsive Gambling. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Request an Appointment

Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.

Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.

Our Office

3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.