Nervous of attending ga meetings

Hi Emily, I went to my first meeting last week. I was nervous as hell. The walk in was the hardest part but I’m so glad I did. The meeting lasted 2 hours. The first hour was a few stories and check in from people around the room. The newbies didn’t have to talk during this. It was super helpful to hear the other stories. I guarantee there will be someone who is in a worse position than you. The second half is newbies were invited to speak, but only if we wanted to. I did speak and it was great to get things off my chest. There were no women at me meeting, however there were usually some who hadn’t attended that week. 
it’s a big step and you will be nervous but I can assure you it’s worth it. I can’t wait for my next meeting. 
Hope this helps

Thank you for sharing that emily4379

Gambler's Anonymous are an open and tolerant organisation who have helped many gambler's facing similar issues to the ones you are facing. Many gamblers find the meetings helpful but if the prospect of participating in groups is overwhelming there are alternatives available 

You can speak to one of our helpline advisors and discuss the possibility of a referral to one of our specialist gambling operators for one to one support 

Thank you

Best of luck Emily, if you decide to go. After many failed attempts of trying to quit gambling and like you, gambling all my salary as soon as I got it, I have finally come to realise that anything I win, is only a loan from the gambling sites, who then just sit there patiently waiting for me to return it all and more!  Not happening anymore.

Take care and thinking of you.

Pink Lady. 🩷🍎.

Hi Emily

You are in same situation I faced many years ago.

Going to meetings would help me help my self by abstaining from unhealthy addictions and unhealthy habits.

I like many people did not stop gambling from day one.

You will get to understand that every thing you are going through at the moment other have expereinced and got healthier due to attending meetings.

You are not forced to talk you can just sit and listen.

Healthy meetings will let you sit and listen as long as you like.

There are some meetinsg that will have a room where your partner can go and get help.

Once you go to meetings you are no longer alone.

I have been going a long time and am abstaining from gambling some time now.

The sooner you go to meetings the less pain you will be living in.

Dave L

Best of luck with the GA meeting Emily. I wish I was able to attend one but my nerves and anxiety are just so high.

One thing I have found on here is there are MANY females in the same situation as us which makes me think you won’t be the only woman at that meeting. 

good luck and let us know how you get on! 

@p6z38njbqm I also would like to attend to ga meetings , live in Bristol would like to meet up with someone who suffers also as my anxiety always get better of me

Its very common to be nervous and anxious attending the first meeting, but you will not regret it. The main reason the meetings are so successful for many people is the realisation there are people out there who have very similar stories to tell. In you first meeting you don't have to speak if you do not wish to but you will hear from others who are dealing with the issue of being a compulsive gambler.