What about G.A.?

Is G.A. the only way to stop gambling?

Most gamblers anonymous members would tell you that it is. For some people, I imagine that is true.

I have found, however, that much of what one HEARS from G.A. members is not necessarily what the LITERATURE says..what the PROGRAM is about.

The Gamblers Anonymous Program is based on the Original 12 step Program, Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book of AA defines the program and 'How it Works'... it talks about people who do not thoroughly follow the program and says "Their chances are less than average."

What the Literature says about the Gamblers Anonymous Program and stopping gambling:

The following are excerpts from the G.A. 'combo book'-

They concluded from their discussions that in order to prevent a relapse it was necessary to bring about certain character changes within themselves. In order to accomplish this, they used for a guide certain spiritual principles which had been utilized by thousands of people who were recovering from other compulsive addictions. The word spiritual can be said to describe those characteristics of the human mind that represent the highest and finest qualities such as kindness, generosity, honesty and humility. Also, in order to maintain their own abstinence they felt that it was vitally important that they carry the message of hope to other compulsive gamblers.

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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.

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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.

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Here are the steps which are a program of recovery. (*note..it does not say THE program of recovery)

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What is the first thing a compulsive gambler ought to do in order to stop gambling?
The compulsive gambler needs to be willing to accept the fact that he or she is in the grip of a progressive illness and has a desire to get well. Our experience has shown that the Gamblers Anonymous program will always work for any person who has a desire to stop gambling. However, will never work for the person who will not face squarely the facts about this illness.

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How does someone stop gambling through the Gamblers Anonymous program?
One does this through bringing about a progressive character change within oneself. This can be accomplished by having faith in - and following - the basic concepts of the Gamblers Anonymous Recovery and Unity Programs.
There are no short cuts in gaining this faith and understanding. To recover from one of the most baffling, insidious, compulsive addictions will require diligent effort. HONESTY, OPENMINDEDNESS, AND WILLINGNESS are the key words in our recovery.

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Why can't a compulsive gambler simply use willpower to stop gambling?
We believe that most people, if they are honest, will recognize their lack of power to solve certain problems. When it comes to gambling, we have know many problem gamblers who could abstain for long stretches, but caught off guard and under the right set of circumstances, they started gambling without thought of the consequences. The defenses they relied upon, through will power alone, gave way before some trivial reason for placing a bet. We have found that will power and self-knowledge will not help in those mental blank spots, but adherence to spiritual principals seems to solve our problems. Most of us feel that a belief in a Power greater than ourselves is necessary in order for us to sustain a desire to refrain from gambling.

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From the 'Sharing Recovery through Gamblers Anonymous' book:

Ultimately, to be rehabilitated, the compulsive gambler has to choose to break out of this destructive pattern. Realizing that such a choice exists is but the first step, however, and true recovery takes much more time and effort.

The question arises of where to go for help -- to a clergyman, doctor, therapist or friend. While the choice of any one of these counselors represents an affirmative step, it is unfortunate that the chances of rehabilitation through any of them are slim. One-on-one analysis, by itself, has a very poor record of helping compulsive gamblers.

What does work well is support therapy, and that is what the Fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous provides. This group accepts as a member any person who expresses a desire to stop gambling. Many thousands of compulsive gamblers have been rehabilitated through Gamblers Anonymous, and it is the most successful and effective means toward recovery that exists.

I love gamblers anonymous. I love the people and the program. Much of what I have learned from the PEOPLE about the program...does not appear to be supported by the literature.

For example... 'meetings make it' - well....this actually *IS* in the literature (the combo book)...but... I know many people, myself included, who have left gamblers anonymous meetings and drove straight to the casino.

I also know people who attend several meetings per week and have done so for years...and continue to gamble.

While meetings can be a wonderful, uplifting experience and often times...attending a meeting can give one the strength and clarity to continue to make the right choices....in my opinion...attending meetings is (alone) NOT going to help most of us 'make it'.

Most of the people that I have encountered at G.A. believe that if they miss a meeting or two, they will gamble...they are afraid not to go...they live in fear of returning to it...well...considering the misery that we know it holds and knowing what is at risk for many of us if we return to the cycle...I suppose that's understandable...but the LITERATURE does not support this...and much of the 12 step philosiphy is about ridding ones self of fear.

I have seen many people, myself included, discouraged from questioning things...I have heard that 'we don't need to know why' and it has even been implied that...the people who must figure it out...end up gambling again 'People who try to figure it out, go back out'....the literature says, 'Perhaps' when asked if it is important to know why we gambled .

Well....it is important to ME.

What it comes down to is...this is MY recovery.

This is MY life!!!!

Responsibility for how I live it rests squarely on MY shoulders.

the Gamblers Anonymous program helped me to do that...to take my life back.