Mutual aid groups: Gamblers Anonymous and analogues

1. Why do we need mutual assistance groups

Support for like-minded people. People with similar experiences understand you without explanation, share proven solutions.

Structure and regularity. Weekly meetings cement a new lifestyle and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

Responsibility to the community. The desire not to let the group down motivates you to stay sober.

2. Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Basic Principles

1. Twelve steps. A step-by-step program aimed at recognizing the problem, identifying its causes and building new life guidelines.

2. Sponsorship system. The newcomer chooses an experienced participant (sponsor) to personally support and monitor the implementation of the steps.

3. Meeting structure:

Reading "Appeal" and "Twelve Steps"
Circle of revelations: participants take turns sharing achievements and difficulties
Discussion of the step of the week or the topic of coping with cravings
4. Anonymity and non-valuation. Everything that is said at the meeting remains inside the group; no criticism - only acceptance.

3. How to find and join GA

Official GA website: availability of a list of local meetings (offline and online).

Hotline telephone: in Russia - 8 800 100-18-01; in Ukraine - 0 800 50-05-55.

Search query: "Gamblers Anonymous + your city" or "GA online meeting."

Participation format:

Offline: regular meetings in conference rooms, libraries, churches.
Online: Zoom, Skype, special chat rooms.

4. Alternative and additionally useful communities

Name	Format	Features
SMART Recovery	Offline/online groups	Based on scientific methods, focus on self-efficacy
Online Gamers Anonymous	Forums, chats	For those who depend on online games in general
Anonymous Players (UA/GA)	Local subdivisions	Russian-speaking groups in 12 steps
Telegram support chats	Instant messages	24/7 access, fast response
Government programs	Clinics, drug centers	Mental health and psychological care with the possibility of free treatment

5. Benefits of Group Membership

Sharing coping tactics. Real stories, how to cope with cravings here and now.

A sense of community. Reducing isolation when it seems that you are the only one who "cannot stop."

Motivation to move on. Inspiration by examples of success of "former players."

Additional Resources. Books, audio lectures, workbooks on the 12 steps program or SMART Recovery.

6. Tips for effective participation

1. Regularity: choose a convenient day and time, try not to miss more than two meetings in a row.

2. Activism: Don't be afraid to ask questions, share successes and challenges.

3. Sponsorship: Find a sponsor as early as possible - this will speed up the progress process.

4. Homework: write out key thoughts for yourself and practice the proposed exercises between meetings.

5. Privacy: Respect the anonymity of others involved, don't spread personal information.

7. How to integrate groups into your overall casino elimination plan

Combination with therapy. Use meetings as a complement to CBT or other formal methods.

Band diary and personal goals. Keep separate notes on meeting materials and compare with your therapist's homework.

System support. Discuss the most difficult moments with your family and partner after meetings to enhance the effect.

Participation in mutual assistance groups is a key component of an integrated approach to overcoming gambling addiction. Gamblers Anonymous and its peers provide the tools, community and motivation to help you stay sober and build a new life without gambling.