NEW Last updated 4/2018: See GA phone meetings below

Please let me know immediately if any of this info is incorrect

The Gamblers Anonymous program of recovery has helped thousands of gamblers find the path to freedom from the disorder of gambling addiction.  This program is based on the 12-step recovery program.  By following the 12-step program, a gambler can make the fundamental changes in their thinking and behavior that not only can stop the addiction, but can also foster powerful growth in the person's entire life.  This essential program is a vital aspect of gambling treatment and is strongly recommended for all gamblers, regardless of whether they are in other forms of treatment.  Gamblers Anonymous can be reached at www.gamblersanonymous.org. or 213-386-8789 in the Los Angeles area.  A new phone number for meeting locations is 855-222-5542 (this number has just been updated and thank you to the helpful person who called me to let me know it needed updating!)Although I have not tried it, it appears that there now is a direct link now that will connect you with a GA volunteer, this is a wonderful service and could be used for additional support. You can find this link on the GA website as well. Give it a try!

If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would also suggest you also use the local GA intergroup website at  http://www.laintergroup.com/

This GA-LA website has specific important information on meetings and events. Your local area might have a similar website so use google with the terms gamblers anonymous and the major city you live near (I don't think that smaller towns will have this option but I could be wrong) see above link for la intergroup.

This is a great site for OA podcasts on the 12 -steps I think you can access it as well as an iphone podcast under "a vision for you" the special editions are usually good... http://www.avision4you.info/special-editions/

I urge all of my patents to try and find a sponsor who knows how to lead them through all of the 12 steps, this is a vital aspect to the program and one that is both confusing and often ignored.

Important texts like the Alcoholics Anonymous "big book" and 12 steps and 12 traditions should be purchased and read in their entirety. Even though the topic is alcohol, the steps can be applied to gambling and other addiction. You can usually find someone if you go to a step study meeting or ask at the meeting but be sure you say "I am looking for a step sponsor to take me through the 12 steps" otherwise it is more of chatting experience which can be helpful for support but is not the same as working the 12 step process. 

Gamblers Anonymous is a difficult program for people at first but it is a very important aspect of recovery for many people. There are 1,000,000 reasons why people tell me its not for them. I am going to review all them now but if you are GA avoidant how about trying something new? Hung up on the use of "higher power" or "God"??? no need to use that an excuse (althogh it is the most common one other than "I don't have the time" and "those guys are much sicker than I am or gamble on a different game or amounts" The higher power concept well, it can be whatever you like... Use the concept of love, or the ocean or a tree, wanting to do you best for others. You can work out the concept over time.. the program has wisdom (use listen to a few of the podcasts suggested below from OA) or seek out a you tube GA meeting. The ideas can help anyone, including me! You can read the AA big book free online just google "bigbook online" It is an old program and can feel out of step and not current. Gambling problems and addiction goes back to 2300 BC!!!  

Finally!!!!! here is information on how YOU can participate in a GA telephone meeting ( you can just listen in if you like as well). you MUST use the participant code listed on the bottom of this page as well as the appropriate phone number, be sure to note time zone. Be mindful if you are calling from a calling plan that is not unlimited or has long distance fees as this could be expensive but for most this will be free with their cell phone plan just check first with your carrier.  Update the LA GA intergroup has finally posted the one telephone meeting online so it should be growing and more meetings added I hope by the end of 2018.

WED NIGHTS only 6 PM pacific time, 9pm east coast time

Dial 712-770-4160

Conference ID 611704#
Some Canadian callers may have difficulty dialing in using the main number and should connect using 559-546-1400 and then following the given instructions.

Another option for late nights

THE PARKING LOT 

And Overeaters Anonymous  (OA) telephone meetings here

1000s of OA wonderful recorded meetings here

These all can be helpful for gamblers to listen to you do not need to have an eating or alcohol problem but make sure it is an open meeting (open to anyone)

Alcoholics Anonymous Telephone meeting info: 

AA has some GREAT meetings 

https://aa-intergroup.org/directory_venue_telephone.php

Last but not least is the LATE NIGHT PARKING LOT this is for ALL people in all 12-step groups. it can be hit or miss what you will experience on it but worth a try. 9pm-1am Pacific coast time call 712-432-3900 code 6508933#. Before you call, you must unblock your phone number to use this if you are calling from a blocked number*82

 this is a daytime meeting PARKING LOT phone number

1-559-670-1414 available 18 hours a day when the parking lot is not open I am not too sure how this works if someone could check this out and report back that would be great

T patient told me that there are GA meetings or GA stories on you tube Search for Gamblers Anonymous speakers and meetings be careful as there are lot of fake ones please see my you tube videos for a few links

GA telephone call at 9:00 pm Eastern time tonight 6PM Pactific Coast time

Dial 712-770-4160

GA telephone call at 9:00 pm Eastern time tonight: