According to the Gambler’s Anonymous official website, the description of a compulsive gambler is “a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any department of his or her life.” If you fit this definition, or if you suspect you have a problem with gambling for any other reason, you may want to check out a Gambler’s Anonymous meeting.
Learn about the philosophy of Gambler’s Anonymous (GA). Like other “Anonymous” programs, GA consists of a 12-step program to recovery. GA maintains that once a person is a compulsive gambler, he will always be a compulsive gambler. Once a person admits that he has a problem, he will never be able to be a “normal” gambler again.
Decide if you are willing and ready to accept help for your gambling problem. No one can force you to quit gambling; you have to arrive at that decision by yourself. GA does not recruit members, nor does it advocate “interventions” by family members or friends.
Visit the Gambler’s Anonymous website and click on your state (U.S.) or country (international) under “Meeting Directory.” You will find the link to the official GA website below. You will find a breakdown of GA meetings by day. Not all cities have GA meetings every day of the week, so you may find it helpful to press “Control + F” on your keyboard and search for your desired city.
Attend a meeting near you. Meetings designated as “open” allow family and friends as well as compulsive gamblers; meetings that are “closed” are for gamblers only.
Pat yourself on the back for taking the first step toward controlling your gambling problem. Addictions are much easier to manage when you regularly meet with others who are experiencing the same issues. There is no reason to go it alone.