References

Videos:

What it’s like to attend your first GA Meeting, After Gambling Podcast
YouTube search terms: after gambling podcast gss 008
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mkd_K71Pfc

Clear, simple, 15 minute talk about what to expect when going to your first GA meeting

What are the twelve steps (simplified), Sober Grid
You Tube search terms: the twelve steps simplified
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FpMs8gXRkw

Short (6 min.) explanation of the 12 steps (the non-god version)

Articles and Websites:

The Gamblers Anonymous Website
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

Gamblers Anonymous organizations website. Use this to find a meeting near you. Look up the 20 questions test here. Then take it.

The top ten reasons people drop out of Gamblers Anonymous, Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance
Web search terms: northstar gambling top ten reasons
https://northstarproblemgambling.org/2013/12/top-ten-reasons-that-people-drop-out-of-the-gamblers-anonymous-program/

Good info on what to set for realistic expectations for your GA meeting, and why to keep attending when you are unsure.

Quote: “Every GA meeting has someone that seems to rub us the wrong way. Things are going to be said that upset us. Don’t allow comments to keep you from coming back. Remember, principles before personalities.”

The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous, Atlantic Magazine, Gabriell Glaser, Atlantic Magazine, 2015
Web search terms: atlantic irrationality of aa
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/04/the-irrationality-of-alcoholics-anonymous/386255/

A strong condemnation of AA and the twelve-step program. As I’ve mentioned before, there is no magic pill for solving addiction. And that includes GA and the twelve steps. It is what it is, and if it doesn’t work for you – so be it. There is no need to feel guilty about you not liking it or not using it.