GA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for GA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. GA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers to do the same.
Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real problem gamblers. No one likes to think they are different from their fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our gambling careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could gamble like other people. The idea that somehow, someday, we will control our gambling is the great obsession of every compulsive gambler. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of prison, insanity or death.
We learned we had to concede fully to our innermost selves that we are compulsive gamblers. This is the first step in our recovery. With reference to gambling, the delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.
We have lost the ability to control our gambling. We know that no real compulsive gambler ever regains control. All of us felt at times we were regaining control, such intervals – usually brief – were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced that gamblers of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period of time we get worse, never better.
Therefore, in order to lead normal happy lives, we try to practice to the best of our ability, certain principles in our daily affairs.
GA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for GA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. GA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers to do the same.
Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real problem gamblers. No one likes to think they are different from their fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our gambling careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could gamble like other people. The idea that somehow, someday, we will control our gambling is the great obsession of every compulsive gambler. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of prison, insanity or death.
We learned we had to concede fully to our innermost selves that we are compulsive gamblers. This is the first step in our recovery. With reference to gambling, the delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.
We have lost the ability to control our gambling. We know that no real compulsive gambler ever regains control. All of us felt at times we were regaining control, such intervals – usually brief – were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced that gamblers of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period of time we get worse, never better.
Therefore, in order to lead normal happy lives, we try to practice to the best of our ability, certain principles in our daily affairs.
Gamblers Anonymous was founded in 1957 by Jim W., who used his experience in Alcoholics Anonymous as the foundation in forming GA into a 12 step program. First Group Meeting was held on September 13, 1957 in Los Angeles, California and was attended by 13 people. Now GA has groups in all 50 states and all over the world.
Gamblers Anonymous members use the 20 Questions. as a guide to determine whether they are compulsive gamblers.
Here are some key aspects of GA:
- Peer Support: Members share their experiences, struggles, and successes, providing a supportive community for those affected by gambling addiction.
- Anonymity: Anonymity is a core principle, creating a safe space where individuals can discuss their feelings and experiences without fear of stigma.
- Meetings: GA holds regular meetings, both in-person and online, where participants can discuss their gambling issues and support each other.
- Literature: GA provides literature, including pamphlets and books, that outlines the steps of recovery and offers guidance.
- 12-Step Program: The program encourages personal reflection, accountability, and the development of coping strategies.
- No Fees: Membership is free, and there are no dues or fees associated with attending meetings.
- Peer Support: Members share their experiences, struggles, and successes, providing a supportive community for those affected by gambling addiction.
- Anonymity: Anonymity is a core principle, creating a safe space where individuals can discuss their feelings and experiences without fear of stigma.
- Meetings: GA holds regular meetings, both in-person and online, where participants can discuss their gambling issues and support each other.
- Literature: GA provides literature, including pamphlets and books, that outlines the steps of recovery and offers guidance.
- 12-Step Program: The program encourages personal reflection, accountability, and the development of coping strategies.
- No Fees: Membership is free, and there are no dues or fees associated with attending meetings.
Core Values and Philosophy:
Anonymity and Confidentiality:
- Anonymity is one of the cornerstones of Gamblers Anonymous. It ensures that members feel safe sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or repercussions. In GA, you are known only by your first name or a pseudonym if you choose. The focus is on mutual support and not on individual identity.
- Confidentiality is paramount. What is shared in a meeting stays in the meeting, and this creates an environment of trust, which is critical for the recovery process.
The Importance of Fellowship:
- GA emphasizes fellowship and mutual support. Many members find that the shared experiences of others help them feel understood and less alone. In many cases, recovery is not just about abstaining from gambling but also about rebuilding relationships and finding a healthier social network.
- The fellowship is also a source of accountability. Many members describe how having a supportive group to lean on helps them stay on track with their recovery goals.
Personal Responsibility:
- While the 12-step program emphasizes reliance on a higher power (as each individual understands it), GA also encourages personal responsibility in recovery. Members are encouraged to take full responsibility for their actions and work actively towards their recovery.
- This includes making amends where possible, recognizing and working through triggers and emotions that lead to gambling, and learning healthier coping strategies.
Spiritual Growth:
- The spiritual aspect of GA is about finding a sense of meaning and purpose beyond gambling. The “higher power” concept is not restricted to any specific religion but can be understood in a more general sense—whether that’s a belief in God, the universe, or the collective strength of the group. For non-religious individuals, this step is often interpreted as focusing on self-improvement or a deeper connection to the world around them.
- Many members report a sense of inner peace and renewed purpose as they progress through the steps and align their values with those of the program.
Surrender and Acceptance:
- One of the key principles of GA is surrendering to the fact that gambling is uncontrollable for those who have an addiction. This acceptance is vital in the recovery process. It’s not about denying the urge to gamble but about recognizing that gambling cannot be controlled by willpower alone.
- Step 1—“We admitted we were powerless over gambling—that our lives had become unmanageable”—represents this step of acceptance. Only by admitting their powerlessness can individuals begin to move forward in their recovery journey.
Anonymity and Confidentiality:
- Anonymity is one of the cornerstones of Gamblers Anonymous. It ensures that members feel safe sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or repercussions. In GA, you are known only by your first name or a pseudonym if you choose. The focus is on mutual support and not on individual identity.
- Confidentiality is paramount. What is shared in a meeting stays in the meeting, and this creates an environment of trust, which is critical for the recovery process.
The Importance of Fellowship:
- GA emphasizes fellowship and mutual support. Many members find that the shared experiences of others help them feel understood and less alone. In many cases, recovery is not just about abstaining from gambling but also about rebuilding relationships and finding a healthier social network.
- The fellowship is also a source of accountability. Many members describe how having a supportive group to lean on helps them stay on track with their recovery goals.
Personal Responsibility:
- While the 12-step program emphasizes reliance on a higher power (as each individual understands it), GA also encourages personal responsibility in recovery. Members are encouraged to take full responsibility for their actions and work actively towards their recovery.
- This includes making amends where possible, recognizing and working through triggers and emotions that lead to gambling, and learning healthier coping strategies.
Spiritual Growth:
- The spiritual aspect of GA is about finding a sense of meaning and purpose beyond gambling. The “higher power” concept is not restricted to any specific religion but can be understood in a more general sense—whether that’s a belief in God, the universe, or the collective strength of the group. For non-religious individuals, this step is often interpreted as focusing on self-improvement or a deeper connection to the world around them.
- Many members report a sense of inner peace and renewed purpose as they progress through the steps and align their values with those of the program.
Surrender and Acceptance:
- One of the key principles of GA is surrendering to the fact that gambling is uncontrollable for those who have an addiction. This acceptance is vital in the recovery process. It’s not about denying the urge to gamble but about recognizing that gambling cannot be controlled by willpower alone.
- Step 1—“We admitted we were powerless over gambling—that our lives had become unmanageable”—represents this step of acceptance. Only by admitting their powerlessness can individuals begin to move forward in their recovery journey.