What is Gamblers Anonymous?
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step fellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding. for individuals who suffer from gambling addiction. In the United States, approximately 1% of the population suffer from the diseaseSome refer to addiction as a disease, comparing it to physical ailments. There are similarities, as both have a detrimental influence on body and soul and are treatable through medical means. of gambling addiction. The fellowship provides a safe place for individuals whose lives have become unmanageable due to their gambling. Defined as compulsive gambling instead of a gambling disorder, individuals who suffer from this addiction understand that it is an illness that will progressively worsen if not treated.
Many individuals who first enter the programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs. see themselves as weak or “no good,” but accepting the addiction, especially as an illness, is the only way to get better and begin the recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control. process. Although anonymityAlcoholics Anonymous and all the 12 step groups modeled after it, protect the anonymity of its members. Members are forbidden from disclosing the identity of other addicts to outside sources or identifying themselves with the group on any form of public media. The idea behind this is to focus on the... is maintained in the program, for many gamblers, their addiction is no secret to their friends and loved ones. It doesn’t matter why, how much was gambled, or what has been lost; anyone who wants to recover from their gambling addiction is welcome.
When did Gamblers Anonymous begin?
The fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous began in January 1957 by two men, one of which was an alcoholicAn individual with an unhealthy dependence on alcohol. From the perspective of AA, it is an individual who has lost control over their life due to an inability to stop drinking. and had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. As the men continued to regularly meet and discuss their gambling problems, they realized that with continuous discussion, neither of them had gambled in months. After some publicity through the media, the first official Gamblers Anonymous meeting was held in September 1957 in Los Angeles, California.
Although there were only 13 people in attendance of the first meeting, as of 2005, there were over 1,000 groups in the United States. In November 1961, Australia held its first meeting and was the 2nd country to officially establish the program of Gamblers Anonymous. Since then, the fellowship has continued to grow and flourish with availability in over 12 countries worldwide. An abundance of literature has been published for the group, including the big bookThe basic text of AA was the first to methodically introduce the 12-steps. It is still the main source for meetings and is quoted in just about all AA and other 12-step literature. the Library of Congress named it one of the 88 “Books that shaped America.” Read more about the Big Book of AA., “Sharing12-step meetings are structured so that member sharing takes up most of the allotted time. It is the bread and butter of the fellowship between members. When sharing, addicts are encouraged to stay on topic and avoid interrupting by engaging in crosstalk. Recovery Through Gamblers Anonymous,” the red book, “A New Beginning,” and much more.
How does Gamblers Anonymous work?
The fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous provides a safe place for individuals to discuss their problems, past experiences and gain support through other members. In order to gain success through the program, members must let go of the idea that they are like other people and control their gambling. Finding hope through others in the program gives newcomers the strength to see that attaining a normal way of life is possible and relief can be found from their illness.
Before entering the program, some individuals may not think their gambling is a problem because they have the ability to abstain for long periods of time, but if triggered, relapseRelapse in the context of 12-step programs refers to the act of reverting to harmful behaviors associated with addiction after a period of recovery. This return to substance use or compulsive behavior disrupts the recovery process and often leads to a resurgence of destructive patterns that the indi... into gambling once again. Willpower alone is not enough for compulsive gamblers to stop their gambling. The other symptoms that reside with gambling addiction need to be addressed before recovery is successful. Because compulsive gambling is more than just financial problems, it is crucial for members to address the emotional problems that come with it, which can include isolation and loss of relationships. After beginning the program, many members often do find financial relief through hard work and repayment of debts. Members are also reminded that bankruptcy, loaning and borrowing money is not recommended because it can be detrimental to the recovery process.
Why does Gamblers Anonymous work?
Practicing the steps, utilizing the suggestions and information that other members can give and obtaining a sponsor helps lead to successful recovery in the program of Gamblers Anonymous. In the program, individuals are successful because they are forced to look at their own character defectsWhile working the 12-steps, individuals are encouraged to take inventory of their character defects and ask their Higher Power to remove them. These problematic personality aspects are often associated with unhealthy behavior and hurting others. Defects are not usually caused by the addiction but ma... and change themselves. Instead of focusing on curing themselves or stopping gambling only, members have the opportunity to eliminate character defects and increase moral progress.
Addressing the negative characteristics that many gamblers have when entering the program, including emotional insecurity, immaturity and unwillingness to accept reality can help these individuals improve their happiness. Many compulsive gamblers only feel like themselves when they are gambling, so addressing these character flaws can help increase happiness. Along with attending meetings, members are encouraged to obtain a sponsorAn individual in a 12-step program requires a sponsor to help them work the steps and hold them accountable for their recovery. The sponsor should be readily available when help is needed. A member with a sponsor is considered to be the sponsee. in the program. A sponsor can help newcomers work the steps of the program, share their tools of recovery and help others succeed in maintaining their recovery.
It is important for individuals entering the program to understand that they are not alone in their gambling addiction. In meetings, they will find others’ experiences, strength and hope and see that recovery is possible for those who work the program diligently. If individuals are struggling as to whether or not they feel they may be a compulsive gambler, there is a 20-point questionnaire available on the official Gamblers Anonymous website to decide whether or not the program is a good fit.
Common Questions about Gamblers Anonymous
Where can I find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting?
There is a directory available on the official website to find meetings, including open and closed meetingsThe typical 12-step program is closed to individuals who are not addicts interested in recovery. This structure is designed to protect anonymity.. There are no formal virtual meetings on the website, but for individuals who cannot physically attend a meeting and need to speak to someone immediately, there are phone numbers available for the Gamblers Anonymous hotline in many states.
Does it cost money to join?
Gamblers Anonymous is absolutely free for individuals who want to join. The only requirement for membership to the program is the desire to stop gambling. There are never any dues, fees or costs for members. Like many other self-help groups, Gamblers Anonymous is self-supporting through their own contributions and never requires monetary donations from members or external sources. Members are encouraged to contribute when they can and what they can but are never required to.
What is a higher power required for in the program?
Although Gamblers Anonymous is not a religious organization, it is important for members to obtain a higher power12-step programs greatly stress surrender to and daily communication with a Higher Power. Having trust in something greater than yourself is considered essential for returning sanity in the unmanageable life of an addict. This can be a traditional deity, a spiritual entity or a social one such as th..., as stated in the 2nd step of the recovery program. Members in the fellowship come from many different areas of faith. A higher power helps individuals look at a power greater than themselves to help them abstain from gambling, which they are encouraged to interpret however they like.
How do I know if I need Gamblers Anonymous?
There is a questionnaire available on the official website for individuals who want to decide for themselves whether or not they are a compulsive gambler. Aside from the questionnaire, many gamblers suffer from issues including continuous problems in many aspects of their life, a feeling of defeat when it comes to gambling, severe financial problems, avoiding maturity by continuing to gamble, feeling secure only when betting or gambling and the urge to be a “big shot.”
What are the 12 steps in Gamblers Anonymous?
Following the same format as many other 12-step programs, the 12 stepsThe term "12 steps" refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A... of Gamblers Anonymous are as follows:
1. We admitted we were powerless over gambling – that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventoryStep 4 recommends the addict conduct “a searching and fearless moral inventory.” This involves coming to terms with the flaws which preceded addiction and those that came as a result of it. of ourselves.
5. Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed.
7. Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contactBuilding a relationship with a Higher Power is a crucial element in recovery. This involves conscious contact with a Higher Power through prayer and meditation regularly. with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers.
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What are the 12 steps in Gamblers Anonymous?
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon group unity.
2. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for Gamblers Anonymous membership is a desire to stop gambling.
4. Each group should be self-governing except in matters affecting other groups or Gamblers Anonymous as a whole.
5. Gamblers Anonymous has but one primary purpose – to carry its message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers.
6. Gamblers Anonymous ought never endorse, finance or lend the Gamblers Anonymous name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every Gamblers Anonymous Group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Gamblers Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our serviceAA and other 12-step fellowships do not normally have employees. Instead, members volunteer and take roles necessary for the operation of the different groups and the larger infrastructure of the fellowship. Common roles of service include secretary, treasurer, and chairing meetings. centers may employ special workers.
9. Gamblers Anonymous, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Gamblers Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the Gamblers Anonymous name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and Internet.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of the Gamblers Anonymous program, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
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