Readings · Winners Circle Baguio

GA Preamble

Read near the start of the meeting.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP IS A DESIRE TO STOP GAMBLING.

There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.

Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real problem gamblers. No one likes to think they are different from their fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our gambling careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could gamble like other people. The idea that somehow, some day, we will control our gambling is the great obsession of every compulsive gambler. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of prison, insanity or death.

We learned we had to concede fully to our innermost selves that we are compulsive gamblers. This is the first step in our recovery. With reference to gambling, the delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. We have lost the ability to control our gambling. We know that no real compulsive gambler ever regains control. All of us felt at times we were regaining control, but such intervals – usually brief – were inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. We are convinced that gamblers of our type are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period of time we get worse, never better. Therefore, in order to lead normal happy lives, we try to practice to the best of our ability, certain principles in our daily affairs.

The Dream World

From the GA Combo Book.

Dreams on clouds: a sports car, a villa, a private jet, an evening gown and a yacht, around a big cloud that is breaking apart

This is another common characteristic of compulsive gamblers. A lot of time is spent creating images of the great and wonderful things they are going to do as soon as they make the big win. They often see themselves as quite philanthropic and charming people. They may dream of providing families and friends with new cars, mink coats, and other luxuries. Compulsive gamblers picture themselves leading a pleasant gracious life, made possible by the huge sums of money they will accrue from their “system”. Servants, penthouses, nice clothes, charming friends, yachts, and world tours are a few of the wonderful things that are just around the corner after a big win is finally made.

Pathetically, however, there never seems to be a big enough winning to make even the smallest dream come true. When compulsive gamblers succeed, they gamble to dream still greater dreams. When failing, they gamble in reckless desperation and the depths of their misery are fathomless as their dream world comes crashing down. Sadly, they will struggle back, dream more dreams, and of course suffer more misery. No one can convince them that their great schemes will not someday come true. They believe they will, for without this dream world, life for them would not be tolerable.

Page 17

The last reading before introductions.

To all Gamblers Anonymous members, particularly the new Gamblers Anonymous members:

1
Attend as many meetings as possible per week. MEETINGS MAKE IT.
2
Telephone other members as often as possible between meetings, USE THE TELEPHONE LIST!
3
Don’t test or tempt yourself. Don’t associate with acquaintances who gamble. Don’t go in or near gambling establishment. Don’t access online or mobile betting platforms. DON’T GAMBLE FOR ANYTHING.
4
Live the Gamblers Anonymous Program ONE DAY AT A TIME. Don’t try to solve all your problems at once.
5
Read the RECOVERY and UNITY STEPS often and continuously review the TWENTY QUESTIONS. Follow the steps in your daily affairs. These steps are the basis for the entire Gamblers Anonymous Program and practicing them is the key to your growth. Get involved and be of service. If you have any questions, ask them of your Trusted Servants and Sponsors.
6
GET A SPONSOR, IT IS DIFFICULT TO RECOVER ON YOUR OWN. Sponsorship gives an opportunity for members to work on a one-on-one basis to achieve recovery by sharing, practicing and working the 12 steps of recovery.
7
We encourage every Gamblers Anonymous member to have a PRESSURE RELIEF GROUP MEETING as it offers guidance toward a normal way of thinking and living. The PRESSURE RELIEF GROUP MEETING may help alleviate financial, employment or personal pressures. Adherence to it will aid in your recovery.
8
BE PATIENT! The days and weeks will pass soon enough, and as you regularly attend meetings, abstain from gambling and follow the guidelines on this page, you will experience continued recovery.

*** taken from the Combo Book of Gamblers Anonymous

The Promises

We close with The Promises.

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.

From Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 83–84

Serenity Prayer · said together, from memory

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.