GA Step MeetingOne Group's Experience | Some Suggested Formats | Suggested Do's and Don'ts| One Group's History | Steps 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | The Gamblers Anonymous Step Meeting is a gathering of compulsive gamblers devoted to discuss experiences involving the 12 steps of recovery. These steps are the basic concepts of the Gamblers Anonymous fellowship. The step meeting has evolved from the "Regular Meeting." It is not a higher or more advanced meeting but a format where members at all levels of recovery can share experience with specific steps of the Recovery Program. The step meeting is conducted in various forms wit Ii the goal to confine thoughts and therapy to a specific step or steps. This type of meeting is most successful when members are aware of their experience or lack of experience with the step being discussed and address their thoughts with honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. As of this writing most step meetings are conducted by GA groups who also utilize the regular meeting format. Weekly groups dedicate a particular wee of each month to hold a step meeting. Experience indicates that several groups in a GA area will hold their step meeting on an assortment of weeks and vary the step being discussed to avoid repetition for members who wish to attend several groups. If a newsletter is available to the GA area, it generally highlights the location of step meetings. This offers a guide to members who wish to discuss a specific step.
ONE GROUPS EXPERIENCEThe following comments were made by a Gamblers Anonymous group about their "step meeting." This group freely acknowledged the celebration of their individual growth once they introduced a step meeting format. How the step meetings are run: 1. We have the step meeting on the 1st Tuesday of every month without fail. If a person has an anniversary on that date, he or she has the option of chairing the step meeting or moving their date. 2. The steps are done consecutively: January is Step 1, February is Step 2, etc. 3. Everyone has a Blue Book or a photo copy of the complete step text being worked. Every member will follow the reading and if a person comes in late, they must read the complete step text before being called. 4. The only time regular therapy is allowed at our step meeting is when a new member has entered the room. The chairperson will call on a member to give a short therapy and then call on the new member to read the 20 Questions aloud, answer them and give his/her short therapy. This is either done right at the beginning of the meeting or before the mid-break. 5. If a person is new or actively gambling, they talk on Step #1 and not the step of the evening. 6. We generally have from 25 to 35 people at our step meeting and everyone speaks at least twice, This happens because preaching, comments, debates and long winded speaking is not al1owed. When a member speaks about how a step is affecting his or her life...it should not take more than 2 or 3 minutes. SOME SUGGESTED FORMATSReading/Speaking This is the basic format of a step meeting. The chairperson introduces the step of the evening. He/she may read themselves or have others share in the reading of GA literature about the step. Members are then invited to share their experience. Reading/Topic/Speaking A step text is read. At this point the meeting chairperson introduces a topic or list of topics to the group. Members are then invited to share their experience on the topic, the step or the text. Text Topic/Reading/Speaking In this format a member would begin to read a step text and pause to share experience as a thought arises. Members are invited to comment on the initial sharing or enlarge on the thought. After this sharing is exhausted, a different member would pick up on the text until a thought arises. This is an extremely successful format for small, groups or when larger groups have enough discipline to avoid exact restatement of thoughts. Paragraph Reading/Speaking Each paragraph of a step text is used as a topic. Once the paragraph is read, all members are then invited to speak (in rotation) on the paragraph. This format lends itself to groups who may conduct a regular step meeting. It is evident that marathon sessions would be required to complete a step text during one session. Topic/Writing/Speaking The meeting chairperson introduces a prepared step topic to the group. Members then write experiences and thoughts for a short period. After all members complete their writing, the chairperson invites each to read their text and then share their experience. SUGGESTED DO’S AND DON’TSSeating for the meeting is best suited to a closed (squared) table arrangement or circle where all members face each other. Members should return to their original seat after the mid-break period. The meeting chairperson should avoid requests for volunteer speakers but select in clockwise or counter clockwise rotation. This format guides the group to an orderly progression and listening is assisted since all members know w en they will be called. Volunteer selection encourages the eloquent and denies opportunity to the newer members) in "participation" so that group unity is diminished. Permitting member comments after a sharing can assist a step meeting if discipline exists within the group conscience. Debate of thoughts leads to argument and discussion versus a "group sharing. For example: Step #2 uses the word "normal" and once the door is opened to "what is normal?", sharing generally ends. Personal opinions about "Our Higher Power" will destroy the flow of a meeting. One group permits comments after this announcement: "Comments will be accepted (3 maximum) and should be the result of personal experience only. No theories." Cross comments (rebuttal) should be avoided at any meeting. It is understood that "regular therapy" will break the flow of thought and sharing during a step meeting. Through habit, however, members may drift into regular therapy and be unaware of this fact. It is suggested that the meeting chairperson gently "tap" the speaker back to reality. It is also helpful when a chairperson restates the step or topic during the course of the meeting to restore group focus. The chairperson of a step meeting should be willing to give thought and preparation to selection of topics when used. Experience shows that firm guidance also helps develop a vital step meeting, filled with encouragement and reassurance. The question of how to help the new member and still maintain group growth by continuing the step format is a decision each group must face. It is suggested that a trusted servant be invited to give their therapy (generally 10 minutes). The new member then reads and answers the 20 questions. An invitation is then given to the new member to speak and when called again, to confine therapy to Step #1. The step meeting is then conducted in regular fashion. If a new member does not receive sufficient gambling identification and encouragement, it is suggested that trusted servants invite the new member to the next "regular meeting" in that area. ONE GROUP’S HISTORYA member of a "regular meeting" group became accustomed to attending a meeting from another area which conducted a monthly step meeting. After a period of years this member felt the step format would be helpful to his "homebase" group and initiated the suggestion to start a step meeting. A group business meeting approved a trial meeting where an experienced outside member would conduct a step meeting for all to see. The vast majority of this group’s members were unfamiliar with step meetings and unsure of their feelings. The next business meeting involved a total discussion of the subject and older members spoke against changing the group structure. The group conscience did, however, vote (narrow margin) to conduct 12 meetings for one year. It was also decided to announce the change in group format to the GA area by recording the existence of the step meeting (step and date) in the area’s newsletter. The first step meeting was chaired by another group’s trusted servant who possessed lengthy exposure within the fellowship. A topic/s peaking meeting was held and conducted with some enthusiasm Volunteer speakers were asked to share at this meeting. At the close of the meeting the chairperson wished the group well and predicted the future success o [the step meeting. The 2nd meeting was conducted by a regular group member and the topic/speaking format was used. Rotation selection was started and all members were willing to speak, but seemed uncomfortable with the results of their therapy. Our old ‘winning" natures do pop up at times. There was a natural tendency to sound positive and state successful experiences. Time passed and it soon became evident that a most rewarding meeting would include speakers who had a "pressing problem" with the step, did not understand the step or were unable to work the step at all. Here is where trusted servants could direct their experience. A separate problem occurred when one group member noticed the absence of the normal announcement given at the start of the regular meeting: "Does anyone have a pressing problem, or would anyone like to start the meeting?" Other group members reminded this member that this invitation may not suit the step format or be a good method to start the meeting. If a member entered the room with a pressing problem, they should speak to others at the break. At the 3rd meeting, two (2) newcomers entered the room before the Start of the meeting. By group conscience it was decided to cancel the step meeting and conduct a regular meeting for their benefit. The end result was a double ste p meeting the following month which was rushed and incomplete in addition, on the same evening of the cancellation, several members from other groups had been present specifically to witness a step meeting. From this point on, the step meeting was no longer canceled as it was learned that the step format would not injure 1st timers. The first year passed with fewer and fewer problems, save the grumbling of older members. These members did participate, however, and accepted the mandate of the group conscience. It was heart warming to witness these members conform and become willing to accept invitations to chair a step meeting. After a one year trial, a vote approved to continue the step format one week per month. The group (almost) unanimously decided that this meeting offered great benefits. A contradiction arose however when the meeting secretary found many group members unwilling to chair step meetings. It could not be decided whether members feared the responsibility or felt unqualified. This group decided to have a "step" chairperson committee with four to six chair-people who conduct the step meetings. These chair- people become visible in their wi11in~ess to chair and the benefits found from the meetings they conduct. This group weathered the problem of group change. In the final analysis, questions about the success of the step meeting arose from the initial member who carried the idea to the group. He judged the meeting by the results he witnessed at other (older) step meetings. He soon learned his group was individual and growing at its own special pace. TOPICSThe following twelve sections combine two features. They offer a digest of the Gamblers Anonymous Blue-book text of the 12 steps of recovery and provide topic questions for use at meeting levels or in personal inventories. STEP ONEWE ADMITTED WE WERE POWERLESS OVER GAMBLING—THAT OUR LIVES HAD BECOME UNMANAGEABLE. Step one tells us that admitting our gambling defeat is humiliating and we naturally resent this show of weakness. 1. This opposes our instincts. 2. Destruction is at hand when we gamble. 3. We are at war with ourselves when attempting to gamble denying our failure and unwilling to admit our weakness. Discuss: A. When did we first discover and/or sense the problem of our compulsive gambling? B. Describe instances that prove we can no longer gamble normally. In GA we discover that admitting our gambling problem to others has become the foundation on which our recovery will be built. 1. Our foundation can only be as strong as our continued belief that we are powerless. 2. Our reservations about being powerless over gambling (doubt), block our recovery. Discuss: A. Has acceptance of our "powerlessness" grown while attending meetings? B. Have we stopped searching for answers and causes of our gambling problem and started to deal with the problem on a daily basis? Explain... Step one announces we are instinctively shocked when told that willpower and self-knowledge will not break our obsession to gamble. Discuss:
Our failings brought us to GA. By admitting and accepting our problem we become willing to listen and remain open-minded. Discuss: A. How we learn by attending meetings regularly. B. Are regular meetings a chore or source of relief? C. Has our ability to listen improved steadily or are we bored at times? D. Is Gamblers Anonymous our mirror? STEP TWOCAME TO BELIEVE THAT A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES COULD RESTORE US TO A NORMAL WAY OF THINKING AND LIVING. Step two warns that belief (Higher Power will remove obsession) may be difficult.
Discuss: A. Areas of success in our lives that were decided more by circumstances than our best efforts. B. Fear of failure. Give up too easily? C. Uncomfortable chores that proved to be beneficial. It is recommended that all believers and non-believers ‘Take It Easy." 1. Keep an open mind. 2. Practice other areas of the Recovery Program. Discuss: A. Meaning of the slogan "Easy Does it." B. Changes in our lives and behavior since we stopped gambling. Good? Bad? Surprised?
Step Two recommends that we stop fighting the thought that a Higher Power may exist. 1. Working other areas of the GA program will show results. 2. It is understood that past efforts at belief may have failed. Discuss: A. Judgments we make quickly. B. Judgments we make on instinct (gut feeling) versus facts. C. Arguing with others to win our point of view.
Step Two promises when we have "cleaned house" our Higher Power will enter to expel our gambling obsession. 1. Open-mindedness alone is required. 2. Belief in open-mindedness is the plateau where all GA members can unite. Discuss: A. Have we started to listen more and voice our views less? When did this begin? B. Are we open-minded or fixed in our beliefs? Why? C. Step #1 of the Recovery Program. STEP THREEMADE A DECISION TO TURN OUR WILL AND OUR LIVES OVER TO THE CARE OF THIS POWER OF OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. Step Three asks us to complete the surrender started in Step #1 and decide to turn over our will to the care of a Higher Power. 1. This opens the door to the Recovery Program. 2. We will receive the full benefit of the program by more effectively working the remaining nine steps in order- avoiding a jump to Step #12. Discuss: A. Have we already begun this surrender by coming to GA? B. What does our admission to being a compulsive gambler represent? Surrender is difficult because: 1. Our independence is challenged.
Discuss: A. How we tried to prove to ourselves and others that we could gamble, excuses we made for losing, and time spent practicing gambling. B. Pick one that best represents your independence. Discuss: Blaming Minimizing Being Smug, Superior Defiance Judging, Moralizing Attacking, Aggression Analyzing Explaining Debating, Arguing Withdrawing Justifying Material success No trust Dislike criticism I know myself Other_________ C. Willingness is the key to surrender/trusting more? Telephoning other members? More meetings? Getting involved in GA? Step Three promises true independence through our decision to know God’s will for us. Discuss: A. How have we changed or attempted to change our behavior since GA? 1. Have we stopped gambling? 2. Are we liking and caring more about ourselves? 3. Are we liking and caring more about others? 4. Do we have a desire to grow and mature? 5. Other? B. Are our natural goals high enough or do we need to have "higher" goals to obtain happiness and independence? C. What circumstances hold our interest on a continuing basis? D. Boredom... STEP FOURMADE A SEARCHING AND FEARLESS MORAL AND FINANCIAL INVENTORY OF OURSELVES. Step Four tells us that our instincts are God given, yet misdirected instincts lead to serious emotional problems. 1. The need for security, which is instinctive, drives one to become power mad and selfish. 2. Greed, lust, envy and pride are destructive habits. Discuss: A. What obsessions and excesses in our lives became a problem? B. Are we prone to tolerate bad habits rather than change them? Willingness to look at our misdirected instincts (defects) is pride in reverse. 1. It is a step toward humility. 2. It is a lessening of our "big shot ego." Discuss: A. Persistence to gamble after we discovered we may be destroying ourselves. B. What experience brought us to GA/or finally started our belief in GA? Many members feel that gambling is their only defect. 1. But we identify with other members who claim many defects. 2. We learn that a drastic change in many areas of our lives will be required to maintain the desire to stop gambling. Discuss: A. Were we prone to blame others for: 1. Our failings? 2. Gambling defeats/losses? 3. Gambling? 4. Name other reasons. B. What does taking "others inventory" symbolize? Step Four warns that we must be fearless when taking our moral and financial inventories. 1. Our egos have created many road blocks. 2. Taking 1st, 2nd, & 3rd inventories will give us a clear perspective of ourselves. Discuss: A. Methods for taking inventory. 1. Written. 2. How often? When? 3. Use of "A Guide to Fourth Step Inventory." B. Pick your special defect and discuss. Greed Lust Anger Envy Pride Talk too much Selfishness Blaming Rationalizing Bad listener Impatience Other STEP FIVEADMITTED TO OURSELVES AND TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING THE EXACT NATURE OF OUR WRONGS. Step Five is ego deflating and necessary. 1. We must talk about our defects to remove our guilt. 2. We must see what we were to see what we can become. Discuss: A. Habit of lying and hiding from problems. What was the outcome? B. Is identifying our defects (problems) 90% of the solution? C. Evidence of our immaturity—past and present. Many feel it is not necessary to share humiliating experiences. 1. We are prone to carry burdens alone. 2. Dramatic descriptions of our gambling behavior are only offered. Discuss: A. Has honesty with self and others improved since coming to GA? Explain. B. Has our therapy changed direction? Tone? C. How long can we carry resentments and angers? What
Humility is born in Step Five. Our burden is lightened by admitting our defects to another human being. 1. We become forgiving by seeking forgiveness. 2. Many members feel closer to their Higher Power and man after working Step Five. Discuss: A. How peace of mind is achieved by removing guilt and/or ending a lie. B. Describe the feeling of admitting to other GA members, at our first meeting, that we have a gambling problem. C. To whom should we seek to make our admissions? Sponsor? Friend? Spouse? Others? "Big Shotism" often hides our true motives or painful experiences. Discuss: A. What types of persons do we tend to respect? B. What types of persons do we tend to avoid? C. Who do we trust? D. Disasters caused by wanting too much or living beyond our means. STEP SIXWERE ENTIRELY READY TO HAVE THESE DEFECTS OF CHARACTER REMOVED. Willingness and honesty will be required to repeatedly try step Six on all our defects. 1. We should become willing to mature and grow. 2. We must approach our growth slowly. "One Day At A Time." Discuss: A. Did our aim at maturity start before or during GA? B. Has our honesty improved?
We are advised to use a "quiet" objective view to identify harm done to others. 1. Avoid extreme judgments and exaggerations. 2. Avoid building unwarranted pressures. Discuss: A. Meaning of the slogan "Don’t try to solve all your problems at once. B. Is self confidence growing in GA... or are we getting "Cu red?" C. Meaning of the slogan "Easy Does It."
STEP NINEMADE DIRECT AMENDS TO SUCH PEOPLE WHEREVER POSSIBLE EXCEPT WHEN TO DO SO WOULD INJURE THEM OR OTHERS. Good judgment will be required to take Step Nine. 1. Timing and prudence are needed. 2. We will also need courage. Discuss: A. Has anger diminished? Can we deal with problems clearly and objectively?
Making amends may jeopardize our employment, family relations and personal friendships. 1. Frankness is the best method. 2. When in doubt, seek help from Higher Power, GA group or sponsor; seek guidance. Discuss: A. Difference between fear of consequences and shame of apologizing. B. Meaning of "Serenity Prayer." STEP TENCONTINUED TO TAKE PERSONAL INVENTORY AND WHEN WE WERE WRONG PROMITLY ADMITITED IT. Step Ten tells us to put our GA way of living to practical use. 1. To maintain the desire to stop gambling. 2. To maintain emotional balance under all circumstances. Discuss: A. How can we carry our GA way of living into our daily lives? B. B. What particular circumstances "tick" us off and create anger? We cannot make much of our lives until we form the habit of self appraisal (taking regular inventory). 1. Our first objective is to restrain angers, actions and judgments which encourage impatience. 2. Create insurance against our return to "big shotism." Discuss: A. Do we "think" before we speak? Are we prone to snap judgments?
Examination of any prayer will be helpful. 1. Read slowly. 2. Self forgetting is the goal of all prayer. 3. Debate and comments do not apply to experimentation and efforts at prayer. Here...we are on our own! Discuss: A. "It is better to give than to receive." Why? B. When did you receive your last compliment? About what? Was it deserved? Imagination is the food of sound achievement. Meditation and prayer are the food of our souls’ growth. 1. We find spiritual objectives through prayer. 2. A conscious contact with God to know His will for us offers true freedom. Discuss: A. Our new values of truth and honesty-Are they paying off? B. Our greatest source of personal satisfaction these days. Peace of mind? Freedom? How did it happen? When? Why? STEP TWELVEHAVING MADE AN EFFORT TO PRACIICE THESE PRINCIPLES IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS WE TRIED TO CARRY THIS MESSAGE TO OTHEA COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS. Step Twelve offers us the opportunity to use our new knowledge and G.A. experience. Putting it to work! Success means trying. 1. Helping other compulsive gamblers in and outside the fellowship. 2. "Giving" which demands nothing in return. Discuss: A. Are we ready and willing to help others? B. What does "ready’ mean and can we help others as "newcomers?" C. What is 12 Step Work? Sponsoring, telephone calls, clean-up, etc... We find in Step Twelve that we have received a special gift by working the entire recovery program. 1. Life is not a dead end. There is purpose to life. 2. We are now an example of "recovery" through the GA Program. Discuss: A. Personal experience with previous 11 Steps. B. Is the job finished? C. Why do many members say "I? am a grateful compulsive gambler?" Some members are prone to "two stepping" - working only Steps One and Twelve. 1. Sponsoring other members becomes discouraging. 2. We often give advice where we are not qualified and then feel hurt when we are rejected. Discuss: A. Guiding new members-GA suggestions. B. Do we tend to over-manage circumstances? Can we be too involved in a member’s recovery?
We can carry our GA spirit into our daily affairs. 1. Adjusting to all conditions. 2. Our GA efforts provide the tools to overcome wearying problems which plague the unprepared. Discuss: A. How we reflect and see our growth in the angry and confused behavior of others while we are calm and confident. B. What your personal ABSTENTION from gambling symbolizes. |
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