Gamblers Anonymous' Identity
One of the most prominent gambling organizations of today is the Gamblers Anonymous. It aims to help people who suffer from problem gambling.
Not surprisingly, this gambling organization is a product of problem gamblers themselves. They were two people afflicted with problem gambling who met accidentally in January 1957.
Both of them had suffered greatly because of problem gambling. This common factor had brought them together even more, and it had made them see each other more constantly. Because of their meetings and dedication, they found themselves stopping gambling.
In their meetings, they have realized a very important thing - that to be able to stop from their gambling addiction, they must change something inside of themselves. They knew they needed guidance, more importantly of the spiritual kind.
They also have discovered another effective way of preventing themselves from going back to gambling, which is to propagate their mission to the whole world, and also help others. It was a wise move.
Remember the saying "walk the talk"? If people hear them preaching about problem gambling, then they would be more driven to control themselves because they know that many others are watching their moves, and are counting on them for hope. By doing this, they have added more responsibilities to their shoulders. They know that if they go back to gambling, they do not only let themselves down, but other hopefuls as well.
Of course, for the propaganda to be successful, they needed the mass media, which they got working for them. Their meetings were always published and announced so that more people can be reached.
What makes Gamblers Anonymous work?
First in their priorities is the anonymity. They keep their members' identity safe, so that people would like to go to them. They also try to eliminate discrimination against those who suffer from problem gambling by stating that problem gamblers are sick people, who need treatment. They try to uplift their self-esteem because they know that healing starts there. It starts from within.
However, they also do emphasize that only those who admit that they need help can be saved from problem gambling. They say that it is an important step to healing, that the person should acknowledge his own sickness. A person with problem gambling cannot be helped if he or she does not think she needs any help.
To conclude, gambling organizations like this are indeed very much needed today as the number of problem gamblers increase.
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