Understanding Support Groups for Gambling Addiction

Support groups can play a vital role in the recovery journey for individuals dealing with gambling addiction. They offer a space where people can share their experiences, learn from others, and find encouragement in their efforts to change their behaviors. One of the most well-known support groups in this area is Gamblers Anonymous (GA), but there are also numerous alternatives available. This article will delve into what Gamblers Anonymous is, how meetings are structured, and how to find local meetings by state.

What is Gamblers Anonymous?

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope with one another to solve their common problem of gambling addiction. Founded in 1957, GA is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous and follows a similar 12-step program aimed at helping members achieve recovery and maintain sobriety. The organization emphasizes that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling.

The 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous

The 12-step program is a cornerstone of GA’s approach to recovery. Here is a brief overview of the steps:

1. We admitted we were powerless over gambling—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. We