Gamblers Anonymous
The methods of Gamblers Anonymous are simple. The programme
of recovery was taken from Alcoholics Anonymous. The steps of recovery
are read at weekly meetings and the chairman, one of the members, invites each
to speak of his own experiences. This is called his therapy. He describes something
of his gambling days and of his better life now. As a new member listens
he hears his own life story time and again. He gains self-recognition. The meeting
is his mirror. He learns that he is sick, yet he must not act sick. His compulsion
may owe much to his being sinned against, but he alone is responsible for
his future actions. He must not gamble again. In this atmosphere of understanding
he can confess his misdeeds. He begins to tell the truth. This is the beginning
of a new life. His wife must know everything. His creditors must be faced
and a reasonable agreement be made with them, so that they will eventually all
be paid. This is repentance, amendment of life, and forgiveness is implicit in
it all.
From this time on self-respect increases. He can meet people
freely once again. He no longer starts at every knock at the door and can walk
down the street and not be afraid no matter whom he should meet. In this stage
members speak of new discoveries; of the fact that honesty pays, the joys of
parenthood newly discovered or of taking pleasure in their work and family life.
The understanding dawns that a pound is a pound, and that the bookmaker, the
gaming club or the gambling machine is not going to get even one of them. One
will speak of decorating a room at home, and another take pride of having a real
hand in preparations for Christmas. They are painfully growing up.
Others
who have been longer on the road may find the freshness of the new life
fade and experience to the full the arduous nature of the climb to rehabilitation.
The commitments of the past must be paid, and those of the present be met.
A budget which includes all this is made and must be adhered to. Above all, no
debts, however shameful may be hidden, and the budget must be flexible enough
to avoid the possibility of the pressure of a financial crisis. Such pressures
from any source too easily becomes an excuse for renewed gambling. There is little
to spare either for holidays, Christmas or birthdays. This is a difficult and
uphill road; impatient people who tend to escape into a dream world now have
to deal with hard reality day after day, year after year. This requires honesty
and humility.
Some members return a second time - even a third or
fourth time - after intervals of months and sometimes years. Their problems have
usually increased, and they are ready to face all that is involved in seeking
a new life. Too often it is left too late, and their new resolution has to be
tested behind prison doors.
Members are not referred to any other organisations.
They help themselves and each other to stop gambling and recover their
lives. Still, some need more help than the fellowship can give because they
have additional problems which block their recovery. These may seek the help
of other agencies.
Some psychiatrists have attended meetings in an honorary
capacity, but they do not take an active part. They have not led. They
seek to understand the nature of the problem involved. Their opinion may be sought
and individuals sometimes consult them privately.
There is a considerable
failure rate for which there are several reasons. For instance, not all
who come are ready to break with gambling. People arrive at Gamblers Anonymous
because they have problems. Basically, that is what they want to get rid of.
But to each one the essence of the message is that he must keep the troubles (his
debts, or worse) and deal with them, and get rid of the gambling. He may find
that instead of this he wanted someone to take away the troubles and leave him
with the path of recovery, at least this time.
by Rev. Gordon Moody, M.B.E.
Founder Patron of Gamblers Anonymous UK |
