WHO ARE POKIES ANONYMOUS?
Pokies Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,
their hope and strength so that they may solve their common problem
and help others from playing the Poker machines.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop playing the Pokies.
Pokies Anonymous is supported by the Government of South Australia
and is free to all who would like to join.
We are not aligned with any sect, religious, or political institution.
Our Primary purpose is to help people overcome their addiction to Pokies.
We understand that everyone can have the occasional relapse,
however it is important to know that everyone is
welcome at the meetings and telling their stories
is part of the struggle which we all are going through.
We are here to support each other and we all have an understanding
of just how hard it is to break the cycle of playing the Poker machines.
The Key is to take One Step at a Time,
and celebrate your achievements with others
who realise how hard it can be.
BACKGROUND - POKIES ANONYMOUS
The group was founded by members of the community in November 1995.
Our first meeting was held on Friday November 10, 1995 at the Adelaide Central Mission.
Our thanks must go to Vin Glenn, the Financial Counsellor at the Adelaide Central Mission who was a great supporter of the cause in those early days.
First Meetings
We began having meetings in 1998 at the Bowden Brompton Community Centre at 19 Green Street, Brompton. These meetings have continued until this day.
The meetings are held at this location on Wednesdays from 5.30 –7.00
Our thanks go to the Community Centre staff for their ongoing support and understanding of our group.
There have been a large turnover in the years we have been running PA, with over 1600 people attending.
Some have stayed on to continue to help others, while some have gone on to lead normal lives.
Questions most asked by people coming to
Pokies Anonymous for the first time.
Am I a pokie addict?
- Spending more money and time than you intended
- Neglecting important activities, such as work, family and time for you
- Feeling guilty about playing the pokies
- Playing the pokies to escape worries and problems.
- Cant stop once you put that first dollar in
- Spending so much on the pokies that the household cannot meet basic needs (eg. Mortgage/rent, food and clothing, power, health, education, transport)
- Getting into debt because of the Pokies
- Trying to win back gambling losses, (chasing your losses).
If you recognise more than one of these statements in your life you may well have a problem with the Pokies.
What can I do if I am worried about my gambling?
Seek help. Pokies Anonymous can help. We can also guide you to further help too. There are many services available.
Does going to Pokies Anonymous commit me to anything?
No. Pokies Anonymous does not require any memberships or contracts. No one will bother you if you do not want to come back.
What happens if I meet people that I know in Pokies Anonymous?
They too will be there for the same reason. They will not disclose your identity to outsiders.
What happens at a P.A. meeting?
You will find Pokie addicts talking about what gambling did to their lives and how their personalities changed. They will share their stories about what action they took to help themselves and how they are coping and living today
How is this going to help me with my Pokie problem?
We in Pokies Anonymous know what it is like to be addicted to the pokies. We know what it is like to lie and feel ashamed and to break promises. P.A. is a safe place to go and share with people who have gone through similar circumstances and can relate in a non judgemental way. We can also help you access other services for further support.
Why do people keep going to P.A. after they have been cured?
We in Pokies Anonymous believe there is no cure for pokie addiction. We can never return to become a recreational gambler and therefore our ability to stay safe from playing the machines depends on maintaining our physical, mental and spiritual health. This is achieved by going to meetings regularly. If we help others by being there, it helps us stay pokie free too.
How do I join P.A.?
You join Pokies Anonymous when you say you have. All that is required for membership is the desire to stop playing the machines.
How much does P.A. cost to join?
There is no cost to join.
Is P.A. a religious organisation?
No. Nor are we allied with any sect or denomination.
There is a lot of talk about God.
The majority of Pokies Anonymous members believe that we have found the solution to our Pokie addiction not through our individual will power, but through a power greater than ourselves. However, everyone defines this power as they wish. Many people call it God, others think it is the group; still others refuse to believe in it at all. There is room in Pokies Anonymous for all people of al shades of belief and non belief
.
Can I bring my family to a P.A. meeting?
Yes if you feel like it. Sometimes it is a great idea to bring someone along to your first meeting as a support.
What advice do you give new members?
In our experience those who recover in P.A. are those who:
- Stay away from the pokies and the pokie venues.
- Attend P.A. meetings regularly.
- Telephone someone immediately if you have an urge to play
- Do your best a day at a time.
MEETING TIMES AND VENUES
Ring 83404262
for further information or support
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know
the difference.
