Is Gamblers Anonymous a religious program?
Gamblers Anonymous is based on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous. The 12 steps of recovery are a set of principles intended to help the member change the way they think and live so that they can make a daily choice not to gamble. The program is considered to be spiritual, not religious, defining the word spiritual to mean embracing certain qualities such as kindness, generosity, honesty and humility. Although the program refers to a belief in a Higher Power, it is left to each member to define that source of strength. For some this higher power may be represented by God, for others it may merely be a belief that the group can help them stop gambling. Even atheists and agnostics have found the 12-step approach to be successful in dealing with a gambling addiction. How long does a problem gambler have to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings? Gamblers Anonymous is viewed as a lifetime support system which helps members to abstain from gambling one day at a time. Because there is n
