After more than 30 years, the Vanguard Center for Gambling Recovery in Granite Falls,
Minnesota’s only residential program for problem gambling and one of only a handful of such programs in the nation, continues to grow and involve. Northern Light sat down with Steph Almanza, unit coordinator for Vanguard Center for Gambling Recovery, to learn more about how the program is evolving to help gamblers and their affected others.
NL: What is the approach you employ when treating problem gamblers?
SA: At Project Turnabout, a holistic approach to gambling recovery is at the core of our programming. Gary Van Eps leads individuals through a foundational 12-step group that explores each step in depth. This group setting encourages participants to examine their experiences with powerlessness related to gambling, while also addressing ego, character flaws and the role of spirituality in their recovery journey. Spiritual support is further provided through dedicated sessions on grief, loss and spirituality by Chaplain Robert Skjegstad. Additionally, recreational therapy is offered daily as a structured part of the healing process, helping clients rediscover joy and build healthy coping strategies.
Our program is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has a strong evidence base for addressing both substance and behavioral addictions, including gambling. A core component of CBT involves identifying and restructuring cognitive distortions and negative automatic thoughts, unhelpful patterns of thinking that often reinforce gambling behavior, minimize consequences and drive emotional distress. Through this approach, clients gain the insight and tools needed to respond differently to emotional triggers, rather than reverting to gambling as a coping mechanism.
NL: What role does shame play in diagnosis and treatment?
SA: We spend a lot of time exploring shame, as it can be a significant barrier to healing. Many clients experience shame not just for their actions, but as a reflection of who they believe they are. Without addressing shame, it can become a hidden driver of relapse. By teaching the difference between guilt and shame, and encouraging clients to develop self-compassion, we support a more sustainable and forgiving path toward change.
As part of this process, clients also learn when and how to apply coping skills, shifting from reactive patterns to more intentional behaviors. We help them build emotional regulation skills that are applicable both inside and outside of treatment.
NL: What else do you focus on?
SA: We also focus heavily on communication and boundaries. These skills are essential for long-term recovery and for repairing the relational harm that often accompanies gambling addiction. Clients explore past patterns of people-pleasing, avoidance, dishonesty or conflict, and learn to set healthy boundaries with themselves and others. These relational tools not only support accountability but also reduce the likelihood of returning to toxic dynamics that may trigger relapse.
NL: How do you incorporate family into the treatment process?
SA: We provide dedicated family sessions, as gambling rarely impacts the individual alone. Loved ones are often affected by broken trust, financial loss and emotional trauma. Family work helps reestablish communication, set healthy expectations and create a supportive post-treatment environment—one where both the individual and their support system can continue to heal together.
NL: What else is on the horizon for Vanguard?
SA: Recognizing the lack of resources in rural areas, Project Turnabout has established Growth Group, a monthly alumni meeting held on the third Saturday of each month. This group invites former clients—who are at least six months post-treatment—to return, share progress, discuss challenges and offer peer support to current participants. This continuity fosters a strong sense of community and ongoing accountability.
NL: What kind of practical emphasis is provided to clients?
SA: In addition to emotional and spiritual care, the program places a strong emphasis on mental health and practical life skills. Clients receive weekly one-on-one therapy sessions and can consult with a psychiatrist for medication management, if needed. Financial education is also a vital part of the curriculum, covering budgeting, debt management and connection to relevant community resources.
The program also integrates practical tools to aid in relapse prevention. One such tool is Gamban, an online self-exclusion service for individuals seeking to block access to gambling websites. For those looking to exclude themselves from physical gambling establishments, staff provide hands-on support to navigate this often-complex process. This includes assistance with completing self-exclusion forms, gathering required identification, securing notarization and submitting documents by mail. Clients are also guided through the additional step of contacting casinos to stop promotional mailers, emails and other marketing communications—all common relapse triggers.
Together, these services create a comprehensive, compassionate framework to support lasting recovery from gambling addiction.
Vanguard Center for Gambling Recovery is a residential program solely for those suffering from problem gambling. The Center provides men and women aged 18 and older with the tools necessary to begin their process to recovery from gambling and discover some of the obstacles in their lives that may challenge long-term recovery. For more information, visit https://www.projectturnabout.org/treatment/gambling-recovery/vanguard.