Gamblers Anonymous: Why does it Work & How to get The Best from it.

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I went to a GA meeting on Tuesday...I can't explain where the compulsion to go came from, though I think it may have had something to do with Tri....but I felt I would regret it if I didn't go. I think as a woman, expecting to walk into a room of men, made it even more difficult. I was pleased to see four other women there...two gamblers and two partners. I parked in the car park, got out my car once and then got back in. A chap kept looking out the door...that made it easier to approach. He sat me down in the foyer and we had a chat, then we went into the room, he understood my apprehension. Someone moved to allow me to sit next to the guy I had spoken to; he didn't have to be asked, he understood too. There was a variety of people; as one person spoke of their addiction, people around the room nodded, they knew the feelings, the irrationality, the guilt, the despair. It felt safe. I am looking forward to the next meeting. Just thought I would share this in case it helped anyone who was in two minds about going.

Rhoda wrote:

Just thought I would share this in case it helped anyone who was in two minds about going.

thanks rhoda and hope you get back soon. tri

Did you get back Rhoda?

I have previously attended GA meetings but didn't stick with them, mainly because at the time I thought I didn't need them and could beat this thing myself as and when I wanted. This was stupid and naive. Things aren't improving, getting worse if anything so I'm going back to GA and this time I intend to stick with it because this time I am ready and willing to open up fully and embrace the 12 steps. Denial is such a strong emotion when it comes to gambling and I've been in denial for too long now. This illness has chewed me up and spat me out too many times, not just financially but mentally as well and it doesn't get bored of doing so. I'm beginning to finally accept that it won't ever leave me alone, so it's up to me to leave it alone and not give it the encouragement it lives off.

What I found about GA meetings is that sometimes it is good to just go along and listen to other peoples experiences, without the pressure of having to speak yourself if you don't want to. Personally, this benefits me more but everyone is different so you have to do what is comfortable and most beneficial for yourself. Don't forget that everyone is in the same situation within the GA rooms and that is where the strength to succeed comes from. Think of it as safety in numbers. Don't try fighting it alone, it doesn't work in the long run.

Yes Tri and going tonight. When possible I am trying to do two a week, but if not am committed to one per week.

I attended my first meeting in a long time last night and it was a big step in my recovery. I have to admit to myself that I'm powerless to stop my gambling on my own and by following the 12 steps and taking the help off others then I can beat this in the long term. I intend to attend my local meeting each week from now, you get out what you put in and I'm going to put my all in to this for myself and my family. No more excuses!

I enjoyed the vibe at last nights meeting and it was well run. For anyone reading this who is nervous about attending GA I would say just get down there. We are all in the same boat, we all have the same problem and all you will find in GA are people who understand you and will try to help you, so really its a no brainer, if you want to give this addiction up then its the place to be!

Bornagain wrote:

I attended my first meeting in a long time last night and it was a big step in my recovery. I have to admit to myself that I'm powerless to stop my gambling on my own and by following the 12 steps and taking the help off others then I can beat this in the long term. I intend to attend my local meeting each week from now, you get out what you put in and I'm going to put my all in to this for myself and my family. No more excuses!

I enjoyed the vibe at last nights meeting and it was well run. For anyone reading this who is nervous about attending GA I would say just get down there. We are all in the same boat, we all have the same problem and all you will find in GA are people who understand you and will try to help you, so really its a no brainer, if you want to give this addiction up then its the place to be!

glad you enjoyed your meeting Phil. GA's a fellowship and I'm sure the group is looking forward to seeing you again and learning from your experience in the same way as you are to learning about GA. In unity tri

I have been going to my GA group for a couple of months now and I'm still understanding what the group is about and how it works.

Last night we had no chairman at the meeting, so four of us just sat and talked. We have a dedicated chairman but he can't make every meeting and that is the second or third time now where we haven't had a group chairman and have sat there and talked.

Is this normal for how GA groups run?

Hi Vamp,

Groups tend to be ran slightly differently wherever you go. Certainly, and I speak only from my own group here, we try and rotate the Chair on a weekly basis. I do go to quite a large group though with the only requirement to be 90 days bet free. The chairperson for that week will select the reading and maybe suggest a theme for the week. I think a structure and a format to the meeting aids recovery.

Hey Gary,

Thanks for the response. The members are mostly new people like myself. I'm on 75 days but others are less than me. The chairman has been going for years though.

Rotating the chair sounds like a good idea to me, and having a theme. Every week we read the same passages out loud from the orange book. It is becoming quite predictable and boring now 🙁

Certainly a reason for having different chair and empowering GA members to become active in their recovery and group

We had a guy chair for the first time in 14 years of coming last night. He does have valid reason why he has never done it but he stepped out of his comfort zone last night and seemed to get a lot out of it.

This looks really empowering I'm in the edgware area where is my nearest GA group please? Does one need to register?

You've got some good options Benleigh...Prob easier if you check them out yourself & see what suits.

https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/index.php/meetings

No need to register...Just pop along with an open mind & you will be welcomed with open arms.