Hi Sammy

The online meeting is helpful. I have been in there a number of times now and although slightly different and, doesn't quite have the same effect as a physical meeting, you do get a similar feeling. What I mean is i could still feel and relate to the therapies given even though they were written rather than spoken.

I would never substitute the online meeting for a physical one but if I was ill and could not get to one (like you have been) the online meeting would definitely be on my priority list.

Also, there is no reason why you cannot stay in touch with other GA members on the phone while you are unable to attend, especially a sponsor, if you have one.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

Hello

Well done on your time off gambling and also a big pat on the back for adding to the support of GA. many people often thank those around them for sharing their 'experience, strength and hope' but often forget that by attending GA meetings regularly they are making the exact same contribution towards others' recovery too.

Keep it up mate!

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge

There are many things that a GA member can do, many things. However, without knowing the full story, it can be difficult to comment.

There are many members in GA who would openly say that they would 'do anything to stop gambling' but rarely do. It is very common for people to attend just one (and the same) meeting each and think they are doing their bit for their 'recovery'.

I can only speak for myself, but many of the mistakes I made and sometimes still make in my recovery are common amongst other GA members.

For the first 8-9 months in GA I went to one meeting a week even though I was told consistantly each week that I needed to go to more, which I didn't. I was told to get a sponsor, I didn't. I was told to practise the 12 Steps, I didn't. There were many things I 'didn't' do because I had selective hearing, I was still trying to do things 'my way' and not the GA way. Because of this things did get considerably worse for me. I hadn't gambled (wasn't working and had very low income) but I am sure that if I had a few quid in my pocket I would have done, I have no doubt.

It wasn't until I reached a new all-time low that I decided to take on board the suggestions being made to me. So, I grasped GA by the horns, so to speak. From that day on, after dismissing 'my way' and adhering to the GA way life DID get better/easier.

One of the best things I did was to attend more meetings. I used to think that everything evolved around that one group but going to more opened my eyes. Every meeting is slightly different, the ambience of the room, the members in it, the different stories being told, even the placement and set-up of the chairs, they all offer a slightly different experience, not to mention variety in knowledge that one can obtain.

You know if I was to even try to give you any advice it would be to do the very thing you have mentioned that you would rather not do, give a member of your existing group a call and talk to them about it. It will be much more beneficial for you to talk to them as they will know your full story already.

One thing is for sure, after nearly 3 years attending GA and only having 7 months of abstinence, something needs to change. I would personally have to ask myself "Am I doing enough?".

When I first came to GA I was asked a question which was "What are you prepared to do in order to stop gambling?" My answer was "Anything". However, I soon forget that answer until the day (which I have mentioned) that I throw myself into the GA program. I now remind myself of that answer every day. If I have a day where I could have done more I will kick myself as I cannot afford to become complacent like many others who break out in GA. It just cannot happen, I couldn't go back to that life.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

P.S Read and practice the advice on pages 30 and 31 of the GA orange book often.

Hi Ricky

A 90 day pin does not exist. There is a 90 day 'pen' however, but they are not as yet widely available. Also, in regards to a 1 year pin, I am not sure if there are any left as GA has changed now from pins to medallions. Pins are, however, available from the ISO website (GA USA).

These types of things are not usually obtained by the individual, but by the group, and presented to the individual as a sign of recognition. Yearly recognitions are normally done at open meetings to show the individuals' dedication to GA along with their hard work and devotion to not gambling. There is a GA meeting attendance requirement for this which I believe is a minimum of 26 meetings in each year.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

Hello Charlie

There are hundreds of posts on this forum just like yours and after reading a few I think you will find that they are generally commented on in the same way and with the same suggestions. Go to GA meetings!

At meetings you will find all the help you'll need to stop gambling and improve your life.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

Hello

You don't sound like a compulsive gambler to me. I am not saying you are or you're not as it is difficult to tell from the few words you have shared, but from what you have, I don't see it. Whether you have a problem with alcohol is a different story, and I cannot comment on that, but it does seem that your behaviour is far from normal when you drink (as can be most peoples' behaviour).

Are far as symptoms go, I am not 100% sure addiction is hereditary. I suppose a compulsive nature can be, as I see it in my family, however, not so much addiction.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

There are no professionals here and nobody here is qualified to give advice of any sort.

There are, however, common traits that compulsive gamblers share and one of the most apparent ones (when still in action) is compulsive lying. It certainly was for me.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

If you click on the MEETINGS tab you willl find all the GA meetings there.

The only way you are going to sort your addiction out is through continued help. Not just when you get found out and you try a last-ditched attempt to salvage the destruction you have caused. You need to do this for YOU and nobody else.

One thing I know that, left to my one devices, I will continually push the boundaries. Whatever I got away with yesterday I will try more today and see if I can get away with it. It is common amongst us addicts (especially in relationships). Eventually, however, I get found out and I stupidly believed that another lie/false promise would yet again solve the problem. Unfortunately the problem is ME, it's not the gambling, I use the gambling to escape the problem (just like everyone else).

The only way I was able to stop gambling was when 'I' truly wanted to stop. Not when I needed to and not when I had to. I had to be ready to do if for myself.

I hope the Portsmouth meeting goes well for you and you continue to attend it and any other meetings you decide to go to. This illness, for me, requires continued medication, but no doctor has a tablet or an injection that will help me, the only medication I have found is through GA meetings and being open and honest in those meetings.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge)

hi my name is ali this is my first time to the site and first time admitting i have a gambling problem i am 22 and been gambling since i was 12 and over the years it has got worse and worse and too day was a real eye opener to ma problem because me and the misses have been putting money away for when i get out the army and for are son on the way and she has kept the key but i got a spare and have been taking money out and gambling and today i took some money out and lost it then went back to the house and got more money and lost it then i was so angry that i lost it and went back to the house and took the rest out the tin then went to the bookies again and lost and then i started feeling realy sick and was nearly ready to pass out so got out the bookies and went home put nearly half the money back in the tin and that is now y i am here coz i was looking for gambling anonymous and came across this and joined and read a couple of other people statments and people said the best thing is but hardest is to tell ur partner everything so i did and she was just staring at me thinking i was joking coz she didnt think my gambling was a problem i feel a bit better after telling her but feel like hell coz i have pritty much stole from her and i hate gambling but just cant stop