Gamblers Anonymous
Summary
Gambler’s Anonymous is a self-help program for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and is modeled after the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. GA offers a structured pathway for those struggling with gambling addiction, combining self-reflection, community support, and accountability to help members move toward a life free of compulsive gambling.
Website
Addictions Treated
Gambling
Orientation
Theistic (non-specific)
Overview
Gamblers Anonymous began in January 1957 with a chance meeting between two men who had struggled with gambling addiction. They found that regular meetings and character changes, guided by spiritual principles like kindness, honesty, and humility, helped them maintain abstinence. Inspired by the success of Alcoholics Anonymous, they adapted AA’s twelve-step model to address the specific challenges associated with gambling addiction. GA focuses on offering support, structure, and guidance through a fellowship of individuals who share similar challenges with gambling. Their success and the support of a newspaper columnist led to the first official meeting on September 13, 1957, in Los Angeles.
GA’s principles are primarily based on the twelve-step framework, emphasizing personal responsibility, moral support, and community. The fundamental goals of GA are to help members:
- Achieve and maintain abstinence from gambling
- Gain control over their finances and relationships
- Build healthier coping mechanisms
- Develop personal responsibility in all areas of life
GA offers a structured pathway for those struggling with gambling addiction, combining self-reflection, community support, and accountability to help members move toward a life free of compulsive gambling.
Over the decades, GA grew and spread internationally, reaching numerous countries and establishing a vast network of support groups for people impacted by gambling. Today there are over 2,500 GA meetings in the US alone, and Gambler’s Anonymous continues to be one of the leading support programs for individuals facing gambling addiction
Core Text
Gamblers Anonymous by Gamblers Anonymous
Principles, Strategies, and Tools
The Twelve Steps
Gamblers Anonymous uses the same twelve Steps as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Abstinence
Gamblers Anonymous promotes total abstinence from drugs.
Sponsorship
Members are encouraged to seek guidance from sponsors who have experienced similar challenges.
Anonymity
There’s an emphasis on confidentiality and anonymity to create a safe environment for sharing personal experiences.