Gamblers Anonymous UK: Overview

Being a part of gamblers anonymous takes nothing apart from the desire to come out of gambling addiction. No fees or dues are required for being a member of the group which self supports itself with its own contributions. 

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It is not allied with politics, sects, denominations, or institutions and stays away from controversial issues. It does not endorse or promote causes of any kind and does not oppose any too. The main motive is to help problem gamblers recover and motivate other punters for doing the same. Controlling gambling urges is not easy for a compulsive gambler. However, the first step towards recovery is to identify the problem and wanting to come out of it. 

Overview And History

The development of the Gamblers Anonymous started due to the meeting between two men in January 1957. These two men had a history of series of troubles and misery due to obsessive gambling habits. Eventually, both of them began to meet frequently and spoke about their issues until a time came where none of them was addicted anymore.

They realized that discussions, in order to prevent a relapse, were necessary and it also helped bring about positive character changes within their own self. In order to accomplish their motive of coming out of their issues, they followed certain spiritual principles that were used by plenty of people suffering and recovering from the same issue. While doing this, they realized that it was important to spread out positivity and messages in order to help other gamblers with similar problems. 

As a result, the first group meeting was held in September 1957 in Los Angeles and since then, the fellowship has been growing steadily and helping people recover from gambling addictions. 

Gamstop As Additional Help

The main aim of Gamstop and Gamblers Anonymous is to help problem gamblers recover. Gamstop is committed to helping problem gamblers to overcome their addiction and regain full control of their lives. This scheme was launched in the UK in order to block people who have registered under it from accessing Gamstop based sites in the UK. Getting around Gamstop is not impossible and thus one has to be determined in order to attain success in terms of recovery. 

This initiative was taken up by the UKGC to promote responsible, smooth and progressive gambling. But GamStop registered punters can still access non GamStop operators listed at NonStopCasino and continue gambling. Gamstop helps in dissociating and deactivating players from all the gambling sites with the personal data they provide during registration. The Gamblers Anonymous and Gamstop are two peas in a pod and preach the same goal among UK punters. Both of them exist only to help such gamblers. These organizations along with many others have taken up a responsible and fruitful goal. 

Recovery Program 

The recovery program of Gamblers Anonymous involves 12 steps :

1. People need to admit that they need help to overcome their gambling addiction. 
2. Having the belief that by taking help, they could recover from their addiction.
3. Deciding to turn their lives back to a path of normal living and thinking
4. Maintain a moral and financial inventory 
5. Helping oneself and others bearing the similar problems
6. Must be dedicated upon removal of these negative aspects
7. Asking God to help them recover 
8. Making a list of people who are affected by the same issue and helping them out
9. Making direct amends to people who need help
10. Admitting one's wrongdoings in order to rectify them
11. Praying and meditating to calm the mind and pray to God for knowledge and power
12. Practising the principles that would help to eliminate compulsive gambling 

This path of recovery once completed, can definitely bring about significant changes in the lives of the gamblers. 

Conclusion 

Problem gambling has to be identified by the person himself in order to seek professional help. There are many schemes and organizations that look forward to helping obsessive gamblers come back to a normal life. However, one has to be determined and focused in order to achieve success while tackling their problems. Gamstop and Gamblers Association are two such organizations that were created for the same aim. Assistance is provided and success is achieved only if it is a two-way process and the gamblers are willing to cooperate accordingly. 

Samuel Daniel

Update 22 February 2021