Gamblers Anonymous: Goals & Assistance
By John Isaac,Editor at online-gambling.com
John Isaac
Editor at online-gambling.com
Of all responsible gambling organizations in the US, Gamblers Anonymous stands out as the most well-known and accessible. With meetings and support groups nationwide, Gamblers Anonymous is one of the best options for finding help. Read our overview of this organization to learn all about what it does and how you can benefit from it.
Gamblers Anonymous – Overview
Gamblers Anonymous is a decentralized organization of support groups throughout the country. The primary purpose of Gamblers Anonymous meetings is for members to share their experiences and help each other deal with problem gambling. Anyone can become a member, receive assistance and contribute to the overall aims of the organization.
| Name of Organisation | Gamblers Anonymous |
|---|---|
| Address | 1306 Monte Vista Avenue, Suite 5 Upland, CA 91786, USA |
| Tel. Number/Hotline | (909) 931-9056 |
| isomain@gamblersanonymous.org | |
| Website | www.gamblersanonymous.org |
| Core Tasks | Ensuring the well-being of problem gamblers and helping them overcome their addiction |
| Support Groups | Yes |
| Meetings | Yes |
Membership in Gamblers Anonymous is free for everyone. There are no fees or required donations to take part in Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Anyone can show up and take part. The organization ensures that problem gamblers all over the country have access to support groups whenever necessary. Moreover, you can also dial your local Gamblers Anonymous hotline, with one available in every state.
Organization’s Mission
The main mission of Gamblers Anonymous is to provide gambling addicts with the necessary support structure to manage and overcome their destructive habits. The Gamblers Anonymous mission is to enable individuals to lead a better life and introduce meaningful changes thanks to a community of like-minded people.
Gamblers Anonymous – Goals and Values
Gamblers Anonymous is organized according to several key principles. These are present in every support group in the country, no matter which state. As stated on the Gamblers Anonymous website, the purposes of the organization are:
- To welcome and give assistance and comfort to those affected by a gambling problem.
- To communicate Gamblers Anonymous’s understanding of compulsive gambling and its impact on our lives.
- To share our experience, strength, and hope in coping with the gambling problem.
- To use the Steps and Tools of the Gamblers Anonymous program, which nurture our spiritual and emotional growth and recovery.
When it comes to responsible gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is one of the most widely available options. The community support it provides is exceptional, making it different from many other responsible gambling organizations out there. As such, it plays an important role in the US gambling therapy scene.
Organizational Structure
Gamblers Anonymous has a specific structure designed to maximize the effect on problem gamblers. Each function has a purpose and works to ensure a positive impact on members. We have all heard of Gamblers Anonymous meetings, but there is more that lies in store. Below, we have laid out the most important structural elements of Gamblers Anonymous.
Programs Supported by Gamblers Anonymous
The Gamblers Anonymous meetings are the primary function of the organization. They allow you to engage with other sufferers and share experiences. Gamblers Anonymous meetings are available in many communities, and there are many forms that they can take. Check out some of the options below:
- Local Gamblers Anonymous Meetings – Meet with fellow problem gamblers to share experiences and support each other. Gamblers Anonymous meetings are free to attend, and you decide how much you want to participate.
- International Meetings – Gamblers Anonymous organizes international meetings. The Gamblers Anonymous website lists all options across multiple countries.
- Online Meetings – If you cannot attend meetings in person, then you might want to consider doing so over the Internet. Gamblers Anonymous supports an infrastructure for virtual meetings that you can freely attend.
- Phone Meetings – Phone meetings are regularly organized to provide an alternative to physical ones. They take place at set times, and you can find the Gamblers Anonymous contact information on the organization’s website.
The social aspect of Gamblers Anonymous is the most important element of this type of therapy. It helps to interact with other people who share the same issues. Problem gamblers can help each other along the way, offer support, and ensure that they are held accountable. It’s the primary function of this organization and one that has shown to have a positive influence.
Self-Help & Assistance
Gamblers Anonymous is based around the 12-step program, common among other ‘Anonymous’ support groups. It involves a strict process of realization and improvement that looks to bring positive change in problem gamblers. The full program can be found on the Gamblers Anonymous website, along with other tools for self-help.
- 12-Step Program – The 12-step program lays out a path to improve your situation and introduce meaningful changes in your life to manage gambling addiction.
- Gamblers Anonymous Hotline – The Gamblers Anonymous hotline is available in every state, and you can find a detailed list for each state.
- 20 Questions – The Gamblers Anonymous website features a questionnaire that will help you assess whether you have a gambling problem.
- Gam-Anon Literature – Gam-Anon sells a number of affordable books that can help you manage and overcome problem gambling.
- Self-Help Meetings – The aforementioned Gamblers Anonymous meetings allow you to find perspective and support from fellow players with the same or similar issues.
Each of these elements will help you on your path to recovery. It’s important to remember that it’s a process, and it’s not always straightforward. What approach you take is up to you, but if in doubt, you can always ask more experienced members how to proceed.
GA – Participation, Meetings, and Helpful Tools
A major part of the Gamblers Anonymous process is actively taking part in meetings and working with other members. Of course, this isn’t necessary, and you can ease into it. Nobody will expect you to share anything more than you’re comfortable with, and members set their own pace when it comes to their involvement. There are other organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Center for Responsible Gaming that also provide tools and support, helping individuals break free from addiction and its consequences.
Problem Gambling – Reasons to Reach Out
Gamblers Anonymous offers problem gamblers the opportunity to alleviate their condition. Gambling addiction is a terrible ailment that nobody should live with. Joining meetings and being an active member can be useful in understanding the effects of problem gambling. Here are some of the benefits:
- Sharing experiences with other gambling addicts
- Creating a support network
- Learning from recovered problem gamblers
- Getting guidance on how to start your road to recovery
- Learning the pitfalls in dealing with the condition
All things considered, Gamblers Anonymous is a worthwhile avenue to receive help for problem gambling. It has a tried and tested system, and the organization has been active since the 1950s. However, its approach may not be for everyone. Fortunately, there are other organizations out there that do things differently, and we will explore them in the next point.
Other National Problem Gambling Organizations
While Gamblers Anonymous may be a good option, it is not the only one. There are multiple responsible gambling organizations in the United States, each of which serves a different function. If you have found that Gamblers Anonymous is not the right system for you, there are others that you can reach out to. Below, you will find a list of nationwide responsible gambling organizations with links to their respective websites.
| National Council on Problem Gambling | www.ncpgambling.org |
|---|---|
| Gam-Anon | www.gam-anon.org |
| International Center for Responsible Gaming | www.icrg.org |
| 1-800-Gambler | www.1800gambler.net |
| Gamtalk | www.gamtalk.org |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | www.988lifeline.org |
Each of these initiatives was created with the goal of assisting problem gamblers. They do this in different ways. Some offer counselling, while others maintain hotlines that you can call at any time to get immediate help. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them and see what they can do for you.
Conclusion: Help & Support For Problem Gamblers
All in all, Gamblers Anonymous is an excellent way to establish a support group of people who understand what you’re going through. Meetings are available all over the country, and you can join one no matter where you are. If in doubt, you also have access to the Gamblers Anonymous hotline to get immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Gamblers Anonymous, here is the place to find answers. Below, we have listed the most common queries regarding this organization and its work. Naturally, we have also provided quick and informative answers.
1. What is Gamblers Anonymous?
As one of the leading gambling therapy options, the Gamblers Anonymous organization works to provide problem gamblers with therapy and support to combat their addiction. It's available nationwide, with local chapters in many communities across every state. If you're in need of support, Gamblers Anonymous is a great avenue to receive it.
2. How can GA help those with problem gambling?
The purpose of Gamblers Anonymous is to provide problem gamblers and their close ones with the means to deal with the addiction. Individuals may participate in meetings where they can share their experiences, receive advice, and reflect on their respective situations.
3. Should I call the Gamblers Anonymous helpline?
The benefits of joining Gamblers Anonymous are plenty. Even if you don't actively participate in meetings, you can always get some perspective from other problem gamblers. If you do decide to take part, you can create meaningful connections with other people who share the same problems and face the challenges together.
4. Does GA offer any programs for problem gambling?
The primary support function of Gamblers Anonymous comes in the form of meetings. Meetings are organized regularly, and they usually take place in a physical location. However, if you can't attend meetings in person, you can also take part in online or phone meetings. The Gamblers Anonymous website has detailed information about your options in every state.
5. What is GA's mission?
The vision of Gamblers Anonymous is to ensure that every problem gambler can receive the support they need in a structured and organized environment. Anyone can join Gamblers Anonymous meetings for free and establish a support network for current and recovered addicts.
6. What tools can Gamblers Anonymous provide gamblers with?
The tools of Gamblers Anonymous come in several forms. Meetings are the most popular ones, but you can also benefit from dedicated Gamblers Anonymous literature, the 12-step program, the Gamblers Anonymous hotline, and more. There is even a questionnaire that will help you determine if you have issues with gambling.
7. What other organizations can help with my gambling problem?
There are alternatives to Gamblers Anonymous in the United States. Above, we have provided a comprehensive list of nationwide initiatives that will help you manage problem gambling. All of them provide different services, but every one of them can assist you in some meaningful way.
References
- Recovery Program, Gamblers Anonymous, Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Responsibility in Gaming, American Gaming Association, Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Gamblers Anonymous, Wikipedia, Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Help by State, National Council on Problem Gambling, Retrieved October 10, 2023.
- Our Mission, International Center for Responsible Gaming, Retrieved October 10, 2023.