Hello, I have known my Son has a gambling problem for several months..we have cleared his debts and thought we were helping him  to get over his addiction. But , we have now found out that he is back in debt and has been lying to us and gambling again. I am. Not sure what to do next .  I will encourage him to attend a GA meeting , but can I go with him and should I make  a Doctors   Appt as well? He does accept that he has a major problem.  I feel helpless. Any  tips?
 Thanks

Good for you donkey.

Many people kick themselves after they've been to a meeting wondering what all the fuss was about before. I suppose it's the apprehension/fear of walking into the unknown, not to mention we have an addiction holding us back, throwing all manner of thoughts into our heads.

It's great that you made that first step though the doors. And, i am always very pleased to hear when others have that feeling of elation after their first meeting, as it takes me back to my first one and reminds me of just how I felt.

Keep going mate.....it gets better!

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge/High Wycombe/Aylesbury)

I cannot see anything wrong with that, as long as you are not interrupting someone's therapy. However, would it be better to ask this at your meeting?

Every meeting is different. I have been in meetings where people come and go as they please, I have been in others that are relatively strict.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge/High Wycombe)

Hi everyone, I would like to know if there is a meeting on tonight in Lincoln. I have found it on the search but I'm not sure if it's every Wednesday or once a month? Do I need to register? I've tried to find phone numbers etc but couldn't and I'm desperate to go tonight and start to fix my problems. If anyone can help with any of the above please let me know. Thank you.

Hi,

First post here. I am an aspiring poker player in my early twenties and have had some success. My problem comes with side games; in general, I am a winning player at online and live poker. My issue lies that I am not scare to put large 4 figure sums on the spin of the wheel and blackjack and also things like dog racing. Just wondering if anyone else is in thes ame situation . People usually just say, step away when your losing ; but there's an animal inside that completely changes your mindset and I can't go back to thinking as I would if I was having a beer with friends. The hardest thing in the world is to change that thought process. MY biggest problem is I love playing poker and I don't by any stretch of the imagination want to give this up. I have spent 4-5 dedicating most of my time to this game , which I strongly have a passion for . I just Cba being broke all the time as it's effecting me socially and it's getting in the way of me of succeeding

It is probably best if you check out GA Scotland.

Big Dave

Hello.

There is a meeting in Herne Bay. You can check out the location and details in the 'MEETINGS' section on the main GA website.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge/High Wycombe)

Hello.

I enjoyed reading your post and well done on your success so far. It really is a great achievement to have been bet-free for so long. I also commend your for the efforts that you have made to focus on what you need to do to stop gambling.

One troubling thing that you mentioned though is that you still think about gambling daily even after 4 years. Obviously, I am a GA member and have been regularly attending GA meetings for many years, I no longer think about gambling at all (or very rarely). In fact, after about a year of stopping I ceased to get those daily urges. The 'white knuckle ride' of stopping is far in the past now.

It is obvious that you have your head screwed and you are going the right way about things so far. I would however, suggest that you do not rule out going to GA meetings. In my opinion it is far better to be thorough than to fail after all the effort that has been put in. Afterall, as I see it, recovery from this addiction, every day I am stepping on untrodden ground, therefore must be treated with the utmost respect and caution. I try my best to keep an open mind at all times.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge/High Wycombe)

Hi Liza

Well done for 3 months. It is great that you are having such success as a result of attending GA meetings. Keep it up!

All GA meetings that I am aware of were back up and running last week.

Big Dave (Eastcote/Uxbridge/High Wycombe)

I truly appreciate this forum.Thanks Again. Really Great.