Going to Gamblers Anonymous just might be the best thing you’ve ever done.
But we understand that it can be a bit scary to take the plunge at first.
We’re here to tell you a bit more about what you can expect at your first meeting. And hopefully you can see that going to Gamblers Anonymous can be very helpful for many different reasons.
Should I be going to Gamblers Anonymous?
If you have a desire to stop gambling, going to Gamblers Anonymous is a good idea for you. Whether you’ve just decided to stop or you haven’t gambled in a long time, deciding to quit can be a journey.
And on that journey, you might need help and support along the way. Gamblers Anonymous can give you that.
What is Gamblers Anonymous?
Gamblers Anonymous is essentially a group of people who all want the same thing. To never gamble again. That isn’t to say that they are perfect. Few gambling addicts’ journeys are linear. But the drive to stop unites them.
The idea behind a group of recovering gambling addicts meeting is simple. It’s to gain strength and support from each other in the effort to quit.
If I haven’t gambled in a long time, should I still go?
It’s worth going to Gamblers Anonymous at all stages of your addiction recovery journey. People who have slipped up after years of not gambling are still welcome at Gamblers Anonymous. And if you haven’t slipped up and don’t think you will, it can still be therapeutic to talk about your journey with others.
Another great thing you can do for yourself and for others is to share your strength. You can help someone else in their journey and be there for them to help them avoid gambling.
How do I join a meeting?
All you need to do is simply turn up at your local meeting. There is no formal process of signing up in advance or paying an entry fee. All you need to do is be there with a will to give up gambling. And that is enough.
How can I find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting?
There are Gamblers Anonymous meetings held all over the world. One of the quickest ways to find a meeting near you, whether it’s near your home or when you are away, is to just Google the location and Gamblers Anonymous.
Here are a few links to different country’s Gamblers Anonymous websites:
What else should I do to overcome addiction?
Overcoming addiction is never easy and although going to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting is a good start, it’s not the only thing you can do. Visit the USA’s National Council for Problem Gambling or the UK’s Be Gamble Aware for resources and direct support.
We also have some other responsible gambling articles that could be useful for you:
