Can I Just Go to a Gamblers Anonymous Meeting?

Yes and No.

For some people, who are in the beginning stages of the addiction, GA may be sufficient. It is an excellent resource for information and support locally, making it a good point of contact early in recovery.

However, most gamblers do not seek treatment until the problems have become severe. In this case, professional help is typically needed to manage the symptoms of depression and anxiety generated by the addiction. Furthermore, by this point, the behaviors which lead to addiction have often become habit.

Professional help is able to identify the sources of these patterns and, once identified, help you to change them. Since Gamblers Anonymous is run by laymen, its members are not typically trained in how to assist you in this way.