Gambling Anonymous
Gambling Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous, or GA, is probably the most famous support resource for gambling addicts and those affected by problem gambling. As with other Anonymous organizations, GA makes use of the twelve-step program for battling addiction. It was established in Los Angeles in 1957 and is now responsible for thousands of meetings across the world. It publishes several approved books which are used as standard literature in groups.
The only qualification for membership is a wish to stop gambling. GA has developed list of twenty questions that can be used to self-diagnose problem gambling. Since less than 10% of those with gambling problems actually seek treatment, contacting GA or a similar organisation is a big step towards conquering addiction.
As GA’s name suggests, the organisation maintains a strict no-media policy. It doesn’t promote itself for fear of compromising the anonymity of its members, so spokespeople never appear on television or radio.
The main focus of GA is to teach members to deal with the financial and legal problems associated with compulsive gambling. To aid recovery, members are encouraged to ‘get honest’ with themselves and those close to them.
Gamblers Anonymous also operates GamAnon and Gam-A-Teen which provide support and encouragement to people close to compulsive gamblers. Friends and family members can attend GamAnon even if the gambler is a not member of GA themself. GamAnon meetings often take place on the same night as GA meetings in different rooms. The two groups don’t share information, maintaining the all-important anonymity. Gam-A-Teen focuses on teenagers affected by gambling whether through friends and relatives or addictions of their own.
