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Anonymity, Meetings and Belonging

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What does Anonymity mean?

Defined as ‘lacking individuality, distinction or recognisability’, G.A. practices anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and internet, to preserve the Unity and Principles of the Programme. Such practices include not using last names in meetings, or exposing someone else’s membership to the fellowship in public.

I haven’t lost everything. Do I still belong?

With reference to G.A., we feel gambling is an emotional problem; a thinking and living problem. Sometimes people believe it to be a financial problem but money problems seem only to be a symptom of an emotional illness.

I belong to “another” 12-Step programme. Can’t I just use that programme to help my gambling problem?

Perhaps. However, many cross-addicted members in the fellowship feel that their other 12-Step groups do not provide the understanding found in G.A. for their gambling problem. Many have found that only G.A. can help them with their gambling problem.

What if I see someone I know at a meeting?

Anonymity is the basis for the Gamblers Anonymous programme. Therefore, unless agreed mutually, members should not discuss outside involvement within a meeting, or vice versa.

How many meetings do I have to attend?

GA believes that “Compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in its nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested.” Therefore, most members feel that recovery is dependant on a programme that includes the attendance of meetings. Some members will suggest “attending as many meetings as possible” for at least ninety days. After such time, a member can make a better decision on whether the programme is right for them and adjust their life, work, recovery balance accordingly.

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