Before coming to GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS, many problem gamblers thought of themselves as morally weak, or at times “just plain no good.” The professional definition is “pathological gambling.”
HOW CAN I TELL IF I AM A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER?
“Only you can make that decision. An awareness should exist and indicate that one’s life is truly unmanageable due to gambling
IS IT AN ILLNESS?
Compulsive gambling is a HIDDEN ILLNESS. The simple act of placing a bet is viewed by millions of compulsive gamblers as a SOLUTION rather than a CAUSE of their ongoing problems.
Persons in the grip of this illness create many seemingly unsolvable problems. Financial problems are created, but they often find themselves facing marital, employment and legal problems.
IS IT PROGRESSIVE?
Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness. There is more to lose than money. Sadly, the individual is unaware that more and more time is spent gambling. The “gambler” is the last person to sense the problem. Hopefully, family and friends become the originators of help and recovery.
WHAT ABOUT MY FINANCIAL PROBLEMS?
Of the many serious difficulties created, the financial problem is the easiest to solve. GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS has proven methods to resolve these difficulties.
Attending GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS meetings assists the individual in making this determination. Most people turn to GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS when they become willing to admit that gambling has them ‘licked’.”
WHAT ARE SOME DANGER SIGNALS?
An inability to stop gambling whether winning or losing and constant vows to abstain.
Impatience with loved ones – “see me later!”
Fantasies of “this week’s win” to overcome “last weeks loss” and dreams of “bigger wins.”
The neglect of responsibility to concentrate on gambling activities.
Wide mood swings.
Escape to other excesses (alcohol, drugs, sleep).
Lack of interest in social situations.
Absenteeism & tardiness from work.
Dislike of thoughts about stopping gambling and belief that life without gambling is impossible.
ARE OTHER PEOPLE AFFECTED?
The effect of compulsive gambling spreads to family and friends of the problem gambler. Those affected have the GAM-ANON fellowship available for encouragement and understanding.
HOW CAN GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS HELP?
Our primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers to do the same.
There are no dues or fees for membership. We are self-supporting through our own contributions. GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS is comprised of men and women from all social and economic backgrounds, races and religions.
THOUSANDS FOUND HELP IN GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
HOW DID GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS START?
THE BEGINNING AND GROWTH
The first meeting was held in Los Angeles, on September 13, 1957.
The first meeting, in Australia, was held at Redfern, NSW, on November 25, 1961.
Groups now flourish worldwide.
DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAVE A GAMBLING PROBLEM?
Go to “20 questions” . If you tick 7 or more questions, you may be a compulsive gambler
DON'T WAIT, CONTACT:
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS NSW
P O Box 122, FAIRFIELD NSW 1860
Phone: 61+(02) 9726 6625 (24/7 Help Line)
Office: 61+(02) 9727 5519 (Mon,Tue,Thur 10am-12noon)
e-mail: info@gansw.org.au Top of page
