The Gamblers Anonymous 12 Step Program
Purpose Healing – Recovery Through the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Step Program
Applying the Twelve Steps of Gamblers Anonymous in Real Life
The Gamblers Anonymous 12 step program is an excellent option for anyone dealing with a gambling addiction. While it might not get as much attention as substance abuse issues, gambling addiction is very serious and can impact every part of a person’s life.
Compulsive gamblers have a difficult time controlling their spending or habits around this activity. Going through a 12 step program is a great way to gradually regain control and build some healthier habits that are more sustainable over the long run.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a compulsive gambling problem, there may be other issues at play that are related to this issue. Gamblers are often dealing with underlying mental health challenges or substance abuse problems that get in the way when they try to stop gambling. Reach out today to Purpose Healing Center to learn more about the services we offer.
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is hard to break. It doesn’t work in the same way as something like an alcohol addiction or drug addiction, as those are more chemical in nature. Make no mistake, however, that a gambling problem can be just as damaging and hard to escape.
Technically, this is classified as a behavioral addiction, which means the brain’s reward system responds to gambling much like it does to the use of drugs or alcohol. So, even though a substance isn’t being consumed, the results can be similar. And, like drugs and alcohol, the addiction to gambling can become stronger over time.
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The Cyclical Nature of a Gambling Problem
There is a standard cycle that is followed in most cases of gambling addiction. First, there is the urge, which is a trigger to gamble. This might be boredom, stress, or even something like viewing a casino advertisement. This will lead the individual to place one or more bets, either in person or online.
When the result of the bet or wager is determined, that provides a consequence. Sometimes, the consequence is a win, which will reinforce the behavior. More often, it’s a loss. The loss is frustrating and often leads to “chasing”, which is simply betting even more in an effort to recover what was lost.
Finally, a fallout will be experienced, as financial problems accumulate and shame develops. This cycle can continue unchecked until something like a Gamblers Anonymous 12-step program comes in to help turn things around.
The Foundation of the 12 Step Approach for a Gambling Problem
You are certainly aware of the 12-step program approach from its success with Alcoholics Anonymous. Even if you’ve never had a drinking problem, you’ve surely heard of the success that AA has had for millions of people.
GA meetings work in much the same way. The idea is to admit that the person can’t overcome compulsive gambling alone and they need help to reach their goal.
Many of the principles from AA are seen reflected in GA, with some subtle differences. When the steps are respected and the program is followed as intended, excellent outcomes can be the result.
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Breaking Down the 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous
Let’s dive into the 12 steps that make up the Gamblers Anonymous program. These steps are meant to be followed in order, one after the next, to gradually progress against this addiction. The wording for the steps will vary from place to place, but the following is the general outline of how it works.
Admitting to Being Powerless Over Gambling
The admission that gambling has become something that can’t be managed alone is a huge first step. Compulsive gamblers can have a hard time getting over this hurdle, thinking they are in control or believing that they’ll soon start to win. Success with the Gamblers Anonymous program really isn’t possible without this first step out of the way.
Believing in a Higher Power
This might be a religious point for some, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s merely the acknowledgement that we don’t control all our affairs alone, and we need to have faith in something else.
Whether that’s conscious contact with God or simply a belief in the power of the group, this takes the focus off the self and puts it elsewhere.
Turning Life Over to a Higher Power
The third step is really a continuation of the second step on the journey to stop gambling. It’s about completely letting go of the illusion of control, changing our own understanding of what gambling is doing in life, and accepting reality alongside other compulsive gamblers.
Conducting a Moral Inventory
A fearless moral inventory is next up on the agenda. This can be a difficult one from an emotional perspective, but it’s a key part of the recovery program. During this phase, GA members will examine their past actions and patterns to better understand how gambling has shaped their lives.
It may be during this time that an honest financial inventory is also taken, and you may start to understand the totality of the moral and financial damage that has been done.
Admitting Wrongs
As with any addiction, there are sure to be some wrongs that have been committed along the way while dealing with a gambling compulsion.
When these wrongs are promptly admitted to both the self and a higher power, along with others, change can begin to occur. It doesn’t so much matter the exact nature of our wrongs as it does that they are admitted and a clean slate is created.
Becoming Ready for Change
At this stage, it’s about letting go of the harmful traits and behaviors of the past. The individual needs to believe that a power could restore us, and that such people who have struggled with addiction can have an opportunity for a different future.
Asking for Shortcomings to Be Removed
This is a deep spiritual step. It’s about connecting with the higher power that an individual trusts to support them for humility and overall growth. Making fearless moral and financial progress will become possible when shortcomings are removed and the future opens up full of opportunity and potential.
Making a List of Those Harmed
Facing the damage that has been caused and being willing to make amends is seen at step eight in this process. That starts by making a careful list of who has been harmed by the gambling addiction and what damage it has caused them specifically.
Make Amends Where Possible
Efforts will be made to rebuild trust and repair harm wherever it is possible. It’s important to note that part of this step is not doing further injury in the attempt to make amends.
A wrong promptly admitted to another and seeking to make direct amends can’t erase what has happened, but it can improve the prospects for positive relationships moving forward.
Continuing Personal Inventory
Staying accountable to the process is an ongoing endeavor, or as the program has it, ‘A searching and fearless moral inventory.’ It’s important to check in with yourself throughout and to work with other recovering gamblers to stay accountable and on track.
Seeking Spiritual Connection
This step can strengthen inner resilience, and it can take place in a number of ways. Some people humbly ask God through prayer for help and support, while others will use tools like meditation and reflection.
Helping Others Through Service
Giving back is at the core of Gamblers Anonymous. Members remain ready to help others in need and continue to rely on a power greater than themselves while focusing on being a resource to the community as a whole.
Applying the Steps in Real Life
These steps are tremendously helpful and can pave the way for lasting recovery. But real life is difficult and messy, and it’s not always as easy as just going through the steps in order and moving on. There are some practical matters that need to be considered along the way as well.
One big one is the financial implications of a gambling program. It’s often the case that people emerge from a period of gambling addiction with significant debt. As part of going through these steps, it may be necessary to learn things like how to create a budget or how to work with a financial advisor to manage money more effectively.
Coping With Triggers for Gambling in the Real World
Learning how to manage urges in the face of triggers could be an important skill to develop as well. This might be something like not placing a bet on a big football game, or driving by an area casino without stopping to go inside. GA meetings can help with the management of daily life by giving you a place to talk about your urges and share coping strategies with others in a similar situation.
Finally, it’s important to keep working the steps over a lifetime to prevent relapse. A battle against addiction, any kind of addiction, is one that is never truly over. The GA community is an excellent resource for staying on track and preventing the kind of relapse that can lead to another harmful round of wagering.
Find Your Foundation for Recovery from Gambling at Purpose
It’s never too early to start dealing with a gambling addiction. If you suspect there might be a problem, there almost certainly is a problem, and going to anonymous gamblers’ meetings is a good step toward getting out of this pattern.
Also, if you need to confront an issue with drugs or alcohol, or if you have mental health challenges to overcome, the team at Purpose Healing Center is ready and waiting to serve you. Give us a call now to talk about the problems you are facing and to discuss how our professionals can help you clear those hurdles and set the stage for a healthy future.
All calls are confidential, so please reach out to our caring team at Purpose Healing today.
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