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Compulsive Gambling
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What is Compulsive Gambling ?
There
are many and varying interpretations of compulsive gambling. The explanation that seems most acceptable to GA members is that compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in its nature, which can never be cured,
but can be arrested.
Before coming to GA, many compulsive gamblers thought of themselves as morally weak or just "no good". The GA concept is that the compulsive gambler is a very sick person who
can recover by following a very simple programme, to the best of his or her own ability, that has proved successful for hundreds of other men and women with a similar problem.
Whilst in the grip of this
illness the compulsive gambler from our experience brings devastation to family life.
With debt, domestic violence, abuse of children and divorce being the major problems. They also have many problems with employment, changing jobs frequently, either by their own choice or in most cases, being asked to leave. Trouble with the law is also a major problem, in desperation they will resort to any measure in order to get money to gamble.
Health consequences for the gambler include depression, anxiety, other stress related disorders, even suicidal tendencies.
How can GA Help ?
The GA concept is that the compulsive gambler is
really a very sick person who can recover by following a very simple programme to the best of their own ability that has proved successful for many other men and women with similar problems.
What is the best
way to get help for a problem? By far the best way is to give them the GA telephone number or to call them while the client is with you.
GA operates a 24 hour Helpline service manned by GA members who will offer to arrange for a member to contact them or take them to a local meeting.
Please read the dedicated section of Questions and Answers for more information in greater details.
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Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon are both voluntary organisations.
Voluntary self financing is part of
the recovery programme to cover the cost of group meetings, fellowship literature and the help lines.
GA and Gam-Anon refuse outside contributions.
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