Stephanie Schwind

Algamus is a residential treatment center located in Goodyear, Arizona, specializing exclusively in gambling addiction and related disorders. Established in 1992, it offers the longest-running gambling-specific residential program in the United States. The center employs a dual-diagnosis approach, addressing both the gambling addiction and its underlying sources. A typical client stay is 5 weeks, followed by an individualized aftercare program. Algamus maintains a high staff-to-client ratio, providing an intimate and focused treatment environment. Treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and 12-step recovery, with integration into Gambler's Anonymous. The staff comprises Internationally Certified Gambling Counselors, therapists, and clinical psychologists, many of whom are in recovery from gambling addiction themselves, offering a unique understanding of the condition. Algamus aims to help clients overcome gambling addiction and its associated financial and legal challenges, focusing on the unique experience of gambling disorder compared to chemical dependencies. The facility is JCAHO-accredited and provides a serene setting in the Arizona desert for recovery.