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Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS?
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,
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 Gamblers Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own
contributions. Gamblers Anonymous 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 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, some day, 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, but 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.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER?
ASK YOURSELF THE GA TWENTY QUESTIONS:
1.Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2.Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3.Did gambling affect your reputation?
4.Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5.Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial
difficulties?
6.Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7.After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8.After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9.Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10.Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11.Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12.Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13.Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14.Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15.Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16.Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17.Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18.Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19.Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20.Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven
of these questions.
HOW MEETINGS ARE CONDUCTED IN THE
PHOENIX AREA?
First time members should arrive fifteen
minutes early to let the room secretary know this is your first meeting and to get some
orientation on how meetings are conducted. You will be given a packet of information at
that time. Plan on staying for the duration of the meeting. You will make new
friends who will offer their encouragement and support.
GA members come from all walks of life.
The most common are working professionals and the working class. Groups average a
mix of 50% women and 50% men. (There are women only meetings too!). Ages range
from the 20's to the very mature.
All meetings are strictly conducted in a
non-threatening/productive manner. They are structured to give everyone an opportunity to
share. You are encouraged to do so, but you are never forced to participate.
In the Phoenix Valley meetings average about 20 members.
TYPES OF MEETINGS INCLUDE:
A. TOPIC/THERAPY- A focus topic
related to gambling recovery is selected each week. Individuals who raise
their hands are called upon to share on the topic with their recent experiences. There is
no cross-talk (back and forth coments). Feedback from other members are given after
the meeting is dismissed.
B. THERAPY/COMMENT- A specific topic is
chosen at each meeting and discuss how it relates to your recovery. At the end of your
Therapy you can state you are open for comments. Usually two are provided.
C. THERAPY - No selected topic, you can
talk about anything related to gambling recovery. There is no cross-talk (back and forth
coments). Feedback from other members are given after the meeting is dismissed.
D. OPEN DISCUSSION - You can talk about what
ever is on your mind relating to gambling and talk back and forth in a round table
fashion.
This is an anonymous program - "Whom
you see hear, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here!" What
you witness at these meetings are for the participating meeting members only.
Never shall anyone share any part of personal therapy or comments with any outside
parties, including spouces and significant others. We respect all members privacy and
confidentiality. (PLEASE NOTE: We do not talk about criminal behaviors for which you
could be prosecuted, or have a case pending.) No one's professional affiliations are ever
talked about at the mettings.
Spouses, friends, family members may observe
"OPEN" meetings only and must respect our anonymity. We encourage their
support, but they do not participate during meetings, unless they are
stated as "OPEN".- (contact Gamanon, listed above, specifically for their
benefit).
Meetings do meet on
the holidays unless announced - so plan on being there.
Unless noted by a closing time, many
meetings may continue for two hours, sometimes longer. Make note of this if you do not
have your own transportation.
This organization does not borrow,
lend, or give any money to any individuals, organizations or financial
institutions. "Borrowing money is detrimental to our recovery", do
not ask for financial assistance. There are agencies that can provide
you with direction to solving your financial crisis and we can suggest ways to do that.
For those without ANY opportunity for
transportation, arrangements can often be made in advance. Call the helpline in your
area for information, listed at the top of this page.
To learn more about the GA
twelve step program and gambling recovery,
take this link to the National Website- http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
GAMANON is a separate organization.
They often meet at the same locations but in separate rooms apart from the
"GA" meetings. Their meetings may change from time to time so it is a good
idea to call ahead to confirm a meeting and its location.
Taking the first step to come to your first
meeting is something that most problem gamblers would like to avoid. Your efforts,
feelings, and thoughts will be respected. We do not place shame or guilt on anyone,
so don't be surprized when you receive friendship and a handshake. Your choice to
attend your first meeting will help renew your self-respect and start you on your road to
a better way of living.
If you have a problem
with gambling - JUST GET HERE - GET TO THE VERY NEXT MEETING!!!!!
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