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  The GA fellowship Handbook
Posted by: Martin - 31-12-2022, 12:36 PM - Forum: Gamblers Anonymous Q & A Section - No Replies

FELLOWSHIP OF GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
This handbook describes the Gamblers Anonymous Fellowship for England, Wales and Ulster, and is the approved guide for every group. It has been assembled from the wisdom of many members and groups in all regions and relies heavily on the Steps of Unity, the Guidance Code, and the Questions & Answers booklet.
Our primary purpose
From Steps of Unity No.5.
GA has but one primary purpose – to carry the message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers.
What is gambling?
The precise definition has been discussed many times in GA over the years but has never been written down. We have learnt that the more we make rules for ourselves the more we divert attention from our recovery. Once a member has attended a few meetings and understood even the most basic principles of the recovery programme, they know PRECISELY what gambling means to THEM, and other members accept this.
WHAT IS GA?
From the foreword of the Questions & Answers booklet:
Gamblers Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who have joined together to do something about their own gambling problem and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
GA is a unique spiritual movement having no central government and little formal organisation. There are no officers or executives who wield authority over the Fellowship or the individual. Even though GA is an informal organisation, certain jobs must be done. In the local group, someone must be responsible for the meeting place, look after the group finances, arrange for refreshments and keep in touch with other groups. This means that a group needs responsible people to perform these duties. In accepting these responsibilities, a member may acquire a title, but titles in GA are used only to designate areas of service.
Gamblers Anonymous (England, Wales and Ulster) is separate from other GA Fellowships around the world having its own guidance code, although the principles of all GA groups are the same.
WHAT IS A GA GROUP?
A GA group is a meeting of at least two persons who have a compulsive gambling problem.
The Aim of the Gamblers Anonymous Meeting
1. To give compulsive gamblers a place where they can meet anonymously to share their common addiction.
  3
 
2. To give strength and hope to each other, by sharing their experiences in “therapies”.
3. To learn about and understand the Recovery Programme, the cornerstone of the GA Way of Life.
4. To help each other where possible through friendship and support to stay away from gambling and thus to lead happy, productive lives.
5. To encourage spouses, family members, or friends to run a Gam-Anon group, if possible at the same venue but always in a separate room.
Note: - GA and Gam-Anon DO NOT share experiences or break each other’s anonymity. They are totally separate Fellowships.
SETTING UP A NEW GA GROUP
Summary:
1. Be sure that there is a real need in the area.
2. Ensurethatthereareatleast2peoplecommittedtoattendregularly.Onewithaperiod of abstinence of 12 months.
3. Find a room that is available at the same time every week and that is suitable for GA meetings.
4. Agree a rent that can be afforded. 5. Consider a 2nd room for Gam-anon?
6. Regional approval is required for all group meetings. Under special circumstances approval may be attained from the National committee.
7. Regional support e.g. rent in advance, perhaps a “launch” open meeting, and with advice and help from members of nearby groups.
8. Advise the Fellowship through the Regional Information Officer. (to ensure the correct information to Information Lines, Website meeting details, New Life requirements, Address for mailings, etc.).
From the Steps of Unity:
Step 4: Each group shall be self-governing except in matters affecting other groups or GA as a whole.
Step 7: Every GA group ought to be self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Refer to the Guidance Code Article 4 Groups.
THE GA MEETING Suitability of the room
1. Availability of the room on the same day and time each week, and for the foreseeable future:
2. Large enough for the reasonable growth of the group.
  4
 
3. Quiet environment and suitable for confidential conversation.
Arrangement of the room
Suggested room formats for a GA meeting:
1. In a U shape, with the chairperson at a table. Members give therapies from their seat 2. Round a table. Each member gives their therapy from their own seat.
3. For larger groups in theatre style. Chairs for the members are arranged in rows facing the chairperson’s table. The therapy chair is placed next to the chairperson’s table facing the members. The person giving the therapy sits in the therapy chair. If the group allows comment, the person giving the therapy stays in the therapy chair until all comments are finished.
MEETING FORMATS
Main Meeting format
For a successful GA meeting, the following features have come to be accepted as the minimum:
1. A chairperson (90 days abstinence) for the evening, preferably not the same person every week.
2. Selecting the chairperson for the meeting may be:
– by the group on the meeting day,
– by the secretary the week before or on the meeting day, – from a previously published Rota.
3. GA literature is available.
4. Anonymity of every person present is respected.
5. The GA Preamble ‘table card’ is read.
6. Who you see here ‘table card’ is read.
7. At meetings members sit or stand for a minute’s silence to set the tone of the
meeting.
8. Members Introductions and to state the date of their last gamble.
9. Follow the group’s tradition for welcoming new members.
10.Most groups read selections from the Questions & Answers booklet.
There is great value in using a short period of reading to “set the scene” for the meeting and to create the relaxed atmosphere that is essential for those giving therapies.
11.Aways read the recovery program and unity steps. 12.Therapies are not interrupted except as agreed by the group. 13. A collection is taken and announced at the meeting. 14.Attendance, collections and expenses are recorded.
15. The Serenity prayer is spoken together by those present
 5
 
Attendance Register
1. This is strictly first names and date of last bet only and is needed only for general statistics and to ensure that annual medallion requirements are met for each member. Refer to Guidance Code Article 8 Medallions.
2. It is NOT available for outside use such as the provision of proof of attendance of a member to a spouse or any official body.
3. A summary of the register should be made available to the Regional or National committee for GA statistics ensuring that the statistics or their use does not contravene the principle of anonymity, nor endanger the anonymity of any individual within the Fellowship.
Refer to Guidance Code Article 4 The Groups 5.5 Group Secretary ii.
Anonymity
Remind those present about the need for anonymity and confidentiality. Always advise the group (especially for the benefit of new members) that anonymity and confidentiality mean never telling anyone outside the room who was at the meeting, or what was said. This includes not sharing information about other members with a partner or closest friend.
The Therapies
The lifeblood of every meeting is the “therapies”. Members can talk freely and comfortably about themselves to others who will identify with them and their experiences.
The conduct of everyone concerned during the therapy part of the meeting is critical. Not only for the benefit of the speaker, but also for everyone in the room.
Below are some guidelines while members are giving their therapies.
The chairperson’s role Generally:
· If the group has a policy about length of therapies, then explain this clearly at the start of the meeting and use the agreed means of warning a speaker to end their therapy.
During a therapy:
· Do not interrupt unless the speaker:
− is being seriously disruptive,
− is criticizing another member (whether present or not),
− has spoken beyond the agreed time,
− is drunk or otherwise incapacitated.
Between therapies:
· Never abuse the position of chairperson to attack a member.
· If it is agreed that the chairperson may comment, – Do not give a “mini-therapy” between speakers.
   6
 
Some advice for the speaker.
· Talk only about your own experience; avoid using “we” or “you” rather than “I”.
· Try to talk about your recovery as well as your “war story”.
· Not to mention monetary amounts.
· Never criticize another member or their therapy.
· Try not to ramble off the subject or talk too long if there are others waiting to speak.
Members in the room
· Never interrupt the speaker.
· Do not eat or drink, including noisily unwrapping sweets.
· Do not talk to each other.
· Not to enter or leave the room whilst a member is giving a therapy.
· Switch off or silence mobile phones.
· Therapies without comment
The chairperson either calls members to speak or opens chair. No comments are
made by chairperson or from members. Therapies with comment from chairperson
Level of comment should be minimal to give encouragement, or to make an important point where a member is clearly in need of GA help.
· Therapies with comment, including from members
Level of comment should be minimal to give encouragement, or to make an
important point where a member is clearly in need of GA help. Generally
· Somegroupsgreettheopeningphraseofthespeakerof“MynameisxxxxandIama compulsive gambler”, with the reply, “Hi! xxxx”.
· Somegroupsallowapplauseaftertheendofeachtherapy,othersremainsilent. The Recovery Programme and Unity Steps in the meeting
Understanding the Recovery Programme and the Unity Steps, how it can help us to recover from this “baffling and insidious disease” is part of the GA way of life. Gaining this understanding is achieved by sharing the learning experience.
      7
 
From the Questions & Answers booklet:
How does a person stop gambling through the GA programme? This is done by bringing about a progressive personality change from within. This can be accomplished by having faith in and trying to understand the basic concepts of the GA Recovery Programme.
Unity is the most precious quality our society possesses. Our lives and the lives of all to come depend squarely upon it. Yet unity in GA cannot sustain itself. Like personal recovery, it demands honesty, open-mindedness and, above all, vigilance.
Sharing information about other groups and the Fellowship
During the meeting, time should be allowed (even just a few minutes) to share information:
• Secretary and Group Treasurer’s reports.
• Open Meeting announcements in the Region and news of the Fellowship and other groups.
Make literature, Policies and the New Life available
The GA Fellowship produces literature and a magazine, New Life available to all, and copies of everything should be on the “literature table”.
It may be useful for a member to be appointed to ensure that all literature is available, and to know the arrangements for replenishing the stocks.
The Collection
GA cannot survive without money.
From the Questions & Answers booklet:
There are no assessments in connection with GA membership. The newcomer signs nothing and pledges nothing. However, we do have expenses relative to our group meetings and our GA service facilities. Since GA has traditionally been fully self-supporting and declines outside contributions, these expenses are met through voluntary financial support by the members. Experience has shown that acceptance of these financial responsibilities is a vital part of our individual and group growth process.
Purpose of collection
The funds are needed not only to pay rent but also to pay for all GA literature, refreshments, the telephone information line, Website and other legitimate administration expenses for the fellowship. Funds should not be used for entertainment or other social activities.
Holding a float
Members must be mindful that once the money in the collection has been received it becomes GA funds. There is never any reason to hold on to any float other than for paying the rent Refer to guidance code 5.6 Group Treasurer iii.
8
 
Rent shortfall procedure
If the collections are insufficient to pay the rent, then the treasurer should immediately advise the group of the shortfall and if necessary, have an emergency collection. If the group is still unable to make up the difference, then the treasurer should advise the Regional Treasurer.
Under no circumstances should the treasurer (or any other individual member) make up any shortage out of their own pocket as a loan – this is fundamentally against the GA principle of being self-sufficient.
If necessary, the landlord should be advised of the shortfall, and the amount made up from a payment by the Regional Treasurer or from the following weeks collections.
The Serenity Prayer
Every GA meeting ends (and sometimes begins too) with the Serenity Prayer.
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.
Refreshments
Most groups provide their members with tea or coffee, either before, during or after a meeting.
Alcoholic refreshment is not allowed.
A group should always stick to rules (if any) from landlords, and if necessary, make their own rules at a conscience meeting – including whether to allow smoking breaks during meetings.
Steps Meeting format
ALL members should be encouraged to work the steps to enhance their recovery by having a more in depth learning about the meaning of the Recovery Programme.
Separate Step meetings can be held weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
The Recovery Programme is NOT just the inventory; it is a simple, but complete programme of living and especially valuable to those of us who have lost our way through our addiction to gambling.
The Recovery Programme is NOT just steps to be climbed once only; it is more a set of simple guidelines for everyday living, to help us gain normality.
A Step Meeting should therefore be a voyage of discovery, and not a place to teach or be taught. We are not professionals. All we have are the words of the Recovery Programme, and various texts by other people with their own interpretations.
The Step Meeting should be a place where these ideas are shared, but always remembering that the understanding and interpretations are our own.
9
 
The format of a Step Meeting should try to avoid having discussion which tries to resolve the understanding collectively, but rather give all those present an opportunity to hear everyone else’s experience.
Suggested format of Step meeting.
1. Suggested to follow the Steps in order.
2. Read the passage about the step from the 12 steps of recovery booklet & or in conjunction with the A5 Working the Steps booklet.
3. Each person speaks briefly about the step – no comments or debate.
4. In the case of Step 4, perhaps use the Who Am I? booklet to talk about just one characteristic, responsibility or feeling at a time and take several weeks over this one step. Each person speaks again – again no comments or debate.
Conscience Meetings
Sometimes referred to as business meetings. The purpose is to deal with all matters that affect the way the group is run, and sometimes to allow differences of personality to be aired. All members of the group should be invited to attend.
It is often held for half-an-hour before a main meeting. This is fine for most routine matters, but if there is something serious to discuss it is better to be held completely separately.
Conscience meetings are usually called when matters arising may affect the group. This can be requested by any group member to the group secretary.
Typical topics discussed at Conscience Meetings:
1. Setting the guidance of the group to supplement the Guidance Code, e.g.
– Format of the meetings,
– The premises i.e. Rent increase, Parking,
– The GA’s policies of looking after ALL members, – Opinions about the Fellowship as a whole,
– Relationship with Gam-Anon,
– Public Relations within the community,
– Support of the Telephone Information Line,
– Open Meetings,
– How long officers stay in office.
2. Selection of Officers.
3. Settling personality disputes.
  10
 
Open Meetings
Traditionally to:
1. Celebrate a year or years abstinence. Refer to the Guidance Code 2021 Article
8: Medallions.
2. Invite attendance from family and friends of the members and Gamanon.
3. Invite those in the community to see how GA works.
4. Invite members of other groups to attend, thus fostering relationships with others in the Fellowship.
An experienced chairman is advisable, but always bear in mind that principles come before personalities.
The meeting format is similar to a main meeting with the addition of speakers by non-GA members.
THE NEW MEMBER Meet and Greet
Two members, one man and one woman preferred (refer to the Safeguarding Policy) take the new member to an area outside the main meeting room and;
Welcome...
 • • •

• •

• •
• • •
Tell them about GA and how the meeting will be conducted. asked their main form of gambling.
give them a Questions & Answers booklet & possibly the Towards the first 90 days booklet.
ask them to answer the 20 questions “AM I A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER” questionnaire.
Being listened to (financial, family, criminal problems).
If they have family or spouse affected by their gambling, being told about Gam- Anon.
then bring them into the room. A warm, friendly and compassionate room to come into.
Being invited to the groups WhatsApp and/or handed a telephone list.
Therapies should be a good mixture of gambling and recovery for the new member to experience.
Ensure that the new member feels part of the group and not just a newcomer who has to "earn" membership.
Arrange a "short-term" sponsor. Later the new member will probably choose someone else as sponsor with whom they feel comfortable.
If there are other groups in the area to encourage the new member to attend as many meetings as possible.
11
 
Guidance to take away from the first meeting - Only where suitable / practical depending on the circumstances of the individual & their relationship(s)
• Talk to your partner or family about your gambling problems, both the debts and the emotional effects it has caused in your life.
• Ask as partner or relative to take control of the finances.
• Cut off all access routes to cash.
• Only have access to money that you really need for that day.
• Prove to your partner or family where your cash is being spent. Get receipts where possible. This will show them that you really are trying to give up gambling and be responsible.
HELPING THE FELLOWSHIP – VOLUNTEERING
GA can grow as a Fellowship only by the work of the few who do the essential works of the Fellowship. There are many opportunities to help.
Volunteering to help can also be an important part of a member’s personal recovery. Just for Today suggests that, “Just for today I will do somebody a good turn...” that somebody can be GA itself. Nothing can be more rewarding than to know that by your actions you have helped the Fellowship grow, and by this means helped compulsive gamblers to a gambling free life.
SPONSORSHIP
The booklet Be A Sponsor: Your Questions Answered.
It is the focus of the sponsor on the recovery of an individual.
The responsibility to sponsor a member, usually a newcomer, is unwritten and informal, but it is the heart of the GA approach to recovery and to leading a normal life through the Recovery Programme.
SUPPORTING NEW LIFE
To many, having therapies to read can be the difference between success and failure, especially between meetings. The New Life magazine is published quarterly (as long as its editor receives material to publish!). Group Secretaries are encouraged to ask the group for volunteers to write to the New Life.
THE GA TELEPHONE INFORMATION LINE
GA in England, Wales and Ulster has telephone information lines. Helping with manning the phones is part of our “Recovery Programme Step 12”.
    12
 
There is a position of National Telephone Information Line Co-Ordinator responsible for ensuring that all regional information lines co-operate with each other. Each region has a telephone Co-Ordinator who should be contacted with names of members willing to do phone duty.
Answering the GA Information Line
A truly rewarding experience is talking to a gambler making their first call and helping them decide to attend their first meeting.
Every region is always in need of volunteers. Some questions answered:
• Calls are diverted from the National number to your own phone. The caller is NOT given your name or number and cannot trace your number.
• Calls may be diverted from the regional number to your own phone depending on what phone system is used.
• You can do phone duty at times to suit you, and as often or infrequently as you choose.
TELEPHONE GUIDELINES
Beside your phone have the following: -
• National telephone information line guidelines document. GA ADMINISTRATION
The GA Fellowship, like any other organisation must have some administration, but unlike other organisations, including charities, it follows the Gamblers Anonymous Steps of Unity:
Step 2: Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern.
Step 9: GA as such ought never to be organised, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
The Structure of GA is:
   National Committee
   North East Region
 North West Region
 Midlands Region
 Southern Region
13
South Coast Region
Ulster Region
 Groups
 
 THE GROUPS
The backbone of GA. Self-sufficient and self-governing except in matters that affect GA as a whole.
See What is a GA Group? page 3
THE REGIONAL COMMITTEE
A Regional Committee should:
i. Represent the views of Groups in a logical geographical area.
ii. Create a set of guidelines for running itself, covering matters not addressed in this Handbook and the Guidance Code, such as procedures for Regional Committee Meetings, the appointment of Officers, and the distribution of literature.
iii. Approve the establishment of new Groups and forward the details to the Webmaster.
iv. Act as a guardian of the Groups it represents.
v. Meet at least every three months.
Refer to the Guidance Code Article 5 Regional Committees.
THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Described as the Guardians of the Fellowship meets conventionally 5 times a year (including 1 meeting immediately prior to the AGM) and is responsible for the finance, literature and telephone system of the Fellowship and the running of the AGM.
The National committee is currently represented by the following distribution of trustees from around the regions:
Midlands 1 North East 1 North West 1 South Coast 1 Southern 2 Ulster 1 Total 7
In addition, the National committee selects the Officers of the Fellowship from the membership directly with the guidance of the Regional committees.
The National committee conventionally meets five times a year, one of these meetings starts on the morning of the AGM.
Refer to the Guidance Code Article 6: The National Committee (“NC”)
  14
 
National Committee Email Contact Details
National Secretary: nat.sec@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
National Treasurer: nat.treasurer@gamblersanonymous.org.uk National Public Relations Officer: nat.pro@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
National Prison Liaison Officer: nat.plo@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
National Female Liaison Officer: nat.female.liason@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
National Literature Officer: nat.literature@gamblersanonymous.org.uk New Life editor: newlife@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Let’s talk editor: lets.talk@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Webmaster: webmaster@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
National Telephone Information Line Co-Ordinator: nat.phone@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Non-Executive Officers may also be appointed (currently Minute Secretary & Information Officer info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk).
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The final arbiter of all things GA. It is an open forum attended by any member from any group. The Voting is by one appointed member from each group. The decisions of the AGM are binding on the whole Fellowship. Refer to the Guidance Code Article 7
GA POLICIES
All groups and committees should have copies available for members to have read the following policies;
1. WhatsApp communications Policy,
2. Harassment and Bullying Policy,
3. Safeguarding Policy,
4. Gamblers Anonymous Privacy Policy,
5. Public Relations Policy,
6. Email Communications Policy.
             15
 
 GA LITERATURE
GA publishes and prints its own literature twice a year. Literature is ordered six-monthly and sent to regional literature stockists.
Regional literature officers should send their orders to the National Literature officer email address.
Groups should order from their Regional Literature Officer and collect at the regional meetings.
GA literature in pdf format is available on the website.
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GA has a website contains sections for all concerned with compulsive gambling, maintained by a Webmaster responsible to the National Committee.
• Literature available to all.
• Details of all GA meetings.
• Open meetings and Events (registration required)
• Questions and Answers (Orange Book) - Audio
• Advice for partners, friends of compulsive gamblers • Regional pages (registration required)
• Chat room
• Forum
• GA Policies
• Guidance Code (registration required)
• Public Liability Certificate (registration required)
Members section (including regional webpages) requires website registration.
  16

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  The tale of two wolves
Posted by: Martin - 10-11-2022, 12:14 PM - Forum: Share Section - No Replies

The tale of two wolves

One evening, an elderly Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside each of us.
He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”
“The same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that you feed.”

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  The Man In The Glass and Do I Think?
Posted by: Martin - 30-09-2022, 08:20 AM - Forum: Share Section - No Replies

The Man In The Glass 
Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.  

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.



DO I THINK???

Do I think I am cured, do I think because my finances are better I don't need meetings, do I think my relationships are a lot better, do I think because I haven't gambled for some time I don't need to commit 100% to GA, do I think that life is so much better I can relax my barriers, do I think I am not as bad as them (YET), do I think maybe one meeting a month or so is all I need, do I think I have chanaged my character so much I don't need to improve myself anymore, do I think I don't need the 12 steps of recovery, do I think I don't need a sponsor, do I think that any old excuse will get me out of going to a meeting. 

NO I DON'T. 

JUST FOR TODAY I WILL NOT GAMBLE.

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  What happens in a GA meeting?
Posted by: Martin - 16-09-2022, 06:28 AM - Forum: Gamblers Anonymous Q & A Section - No Replies

When you arrive at a GA meeting for the first time, a group member will typically ask you the "20 questions"; you can find a copy of them on this website. The first part of the meeting is when the chair of the meeting goes around the table and ask for introductions; for example, my name is Martin, I am a compulsive gambler, and my last bet was on the 29th of September 2017. Then when the meeting starts, various readings from the "Questions and Answers about the problem of compulsive gambling and the GA recovery programme", more commonly known as the "Orange Book", will be read out by members. If there is a reading from the book you would like to read aloud, you're more than welcome to do so. Then sharing begins; there is typically no set order; a person will introduce themselves and start speaking; when they speak, no one else will talk. Your share can be about your gambling difficulties, resentments, events in your day or week, and recovery. If you don't feel like speaking your first time, there is no pressure to do so. Then, at the end of the meeting, the secretary will announce any open meetings, and the treasurer will inform the group of the donations and the current balance of the group's funds. There are no fees or due's for going to a GA meeting, but it relies on its member's contributions for the rent for the meeting place, tea, etc. If you don't want to put anything in or can't afford to, that's fine. Then the meeting closes with the serenity prayer; we stand up and say, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". Usually, the group secretary will ask for your contact details, and they should give you theirs, and they may message you in the week to make sure you're doing OK. If you don't want to leave details, that's fine, and there is no pressure to do so. This Gamblers Anonymous meeting is a typical example, but meetings across the country may vary slightly. You can go to as many weekly meetings as you want at different locations. If you want further information, you can contact info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk.

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  Two Golden Days
Posted by: Martin - 13-09-2022, 10:23 PM - Forum: Share Section - No Replies

Two Golden Days

There are two golden days about which I never worry -
Yesterday and tomorrow. These days belong to God.

Therefore, that only leaves me only today.
Any man can fight the battles of just one day.

Oh Friend, it is only when we add the burden of those two eternities
- yesterday and tomorrow - that we break down.

Those are God's days - Leave them with Him.
Therefore I will journey just one day at a time.

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  What is the Act of 13th Stepping?
Posted by: Martin - 13-09-2022, 05:34 PM - Forum: Gamblers Anonymous Q & A Section - No Replies

The act of “13th Stepping” is when a more experienced member of a 12-Step group – man or woman – pursues a romantic relationship with a new group member.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS ENGLAND, WALES AND ULSTER
SAFEGUARDING POLICY OCTOBER 2020

OVERVIEW
The members of Gamblers Anonymous ("GA") support each other in Groups. As individuals, GA members should be aware of their duties of care to others and hence follow the law and best practice regarding safeguarding, when acting in GA’s name.


THE BASIC PRINCIPLE
Everyone should recognise that all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm and abuse. 

WHOM THE GUIDANCE PROTECTS
This policy applies to the safeguarding of all GA members, as well as those with whom GA members come into contact when acting in GA’s name. This includes those under the age of 18 (minors) and vulnerable adults (who may be members of GA).

BEST PRACTICE
A copy of the latest version of this policy should be given to every new and existing GA member. It is vital that all Groups' Secretaries learn about and understand issues regarding safeguarding and protection in the context of GA, that a safe environment may be maintained for GA members, as well as those with whom GA members come into contact when acting in GA’s name.

NEW MEMBERS
Meetings with members who are new to GA should be conducted by two existing GA members and, wherever possible, by a man and a woman.


SPONSORS
A Sponsor should:

  1. have at least one-year’s abstinence from gambling;
  2. have regard to this guidance and their duty of care towards other GA members.
GA members are not legally required to obtain a DBS Certificate in order to act as a Sponsor. However, Sponsors are encouraged to apply, as individuals, for a basic DBS Check and to provide a copy of their DBS Certificate to their Group's Secretary, as a means of strengthening safeguarding standards in the Fellowship.

REPORTING SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS
If any GA member believes they are being abused or knows/suspects that another GA member is being abused they should consider taking the following actions, as appropriate:
  • Preserve any/all evidence;
  • Report their concerns to:
    • Their Group's Secretary and/or any other member;
    • The Local Authority Adult Social Care team (about a vulnerable adult); and/or
    • The Local Authority Children’s Services team (about a minor). 

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  I am addicted
Posted by: Martin - 22-09-2021, 10:30 PM - Forum: Share Section - No Replies

I am addiction

I start in small subtle ways promising many things,

I promise you enjoyment and pleasure beyond your wildest dreams,

I deliver guilt & despair more horrible than your worst nightmare,

I promise you power & courage,

I give you feelings of powerlessness & hopelessness,

I will force you to live in fear always,

I promise you relief and escape from all your daily problems,

I create for you greater problems than you ever imagined,

I promise you many friends,

I allow you only isolation,

I promise happiness,

I create much sorrow, I will steal from you your dignity ,your families, your friends, your children, your homes, your demons, your spirit & your life, for love, freedom & happiness are impossible to find in my presence,

So never underestimate me,

I am devious & manipulating,

I have no preferences as to who I pick as my victim, rich or poor, young or old, black, white, yellow or red,

I have killed men, women & children,

I have no conscience.

So if you have met me, always be aware if you think you can beat me that I will be gone from your life and all will go well again.

Never forget that I will always be there, waiting in the dark shadows just around the corner.

I am very patient and I will laugh in your face if I can lure you into my evil world of hell on earth once again.

I am addiction

Writing taken from the "GA Red book android app"

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  Lost it all again
Posted by: Tomh - 06-07-2019, 06:20 AM - Forum: Share Section - No Replies

Sorry to hear your story it's certainly a story a lot of us can relate to , the chasing the lack of any control and the emotions afterwards . I have certainly had those feelings where iv been sat thinking how did that just happen ? The feeling of emptiness , you have certainly come to the right place to move forward . I have been struggling for 6 years now on and off and I think I'm getting there now it's been a long road it really has but with the help of the people on here and at the meetings you will get there in the end .
Good luck on your journey please keep in touch

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  Isn't compulsive gambling basically a financial problem?
Posted by: Martin - 23-01-2019, 07:34 AM - Forum: Gamblers Anonymous Q & A Section - No Replies

No, compulsive gambling seems to be an emotional problem. When in the grip of this illness, we create mountains of apparently insoluble problems. Of course, there are financial problems, but we also have to face family problems, employment problems, or problems involving ourselves with the law. We lose our friends and relatives have us on their personal blacklist.

Of the many serious problems we create, the financial problems seem the easiest to solve.

Upon entering GA and stopping gambling, we find income often increases and, as there is no longer the financial drain caused by gambling, there is soon relief from the financial pressures.

The most difficult task to be faced is that of bringing about a personality change from within ourselves. Most of us in GA look upon this as our greatest challenge and believe to be a lifetime job.

Extract from the "Questions and Answers about the problem of compulsive gambling and the GA recovery program" (Orange book) page 15.

Available from this website as a free download in the Literature section.

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  Gamblers Anonymous, will there ever be a "big book" like Alcoholics Anonymous?
Posted by: Martin - 07-01-2019, 03:06 PM - Forum: Gamblers Anonymous Q & A Section - Replies (2)

Dear Admin

I have a question, or even a suggestion for Gamblers Anonymous, I read all the literature that you have on the website, and the Red book. And it is brilliant, it's been a great aid with my recovery, which I am forever in Gamblers Anonymous debt.

The question I would like to ask is, why don't you put all the books and literature into one big book like they have done with the book "Alcoholics Anonymous"?

And a suggestion I would like to add to that is, why not have the 41 shares in the back of the book like they do with the "Alcoholics Anonymous" book, but with compulsive gambler's story's in it.

I bought my copy a year ago from the AA website and it cost me £8 for a hardback book. The book has sold 29 million copies worldwide, and has helped a lot of people.

I would be more than happy to buy a copy of "Gamblers Anonymous" for my own recovery and to help the organization.

This idea may be out of the forums Admins hands, but at least it gets people talking about it, and that can bring change.

All the best

Martin

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