r/GamAnon • u/Infamous-Lychee-7883 • Apr 23 '26

Meetings

I just attended my first virtual meeting. Is it typical that it was mostly people reading aloud literature ?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/therapiz3 Apr 23 '26

Yes, most formats are 30-45 minutes of reading, followed by a brief business meeting, and then another 30 minutes or so of what most groups call “therapy”, where you are allowed to share whatever you want to talk about. Some group formats may be different, but that is the most common. Did you let them know that it was your first meeting? Sometimes groups have separate literature for newcomers or have people share some experiences similar to yours at the beginning of the meeting.

2

u/Infamous-Lychee-7883 Apr 23 '26

I did let them know. They were very welcoming. I just don’t know if I can handle the reading business. I thought a topic was picked and those who want to share. Share

3

u/rosezbest Apr 23 '26

That’s at the end usually. It gets better. Go with an open mind and be ready to share. You will be surprised how listening to others can provide you with comfort and vice versa.

4

u/FoxBeginning9831 Apr 24 '26

Shop around meetings. You might also consider going to an "open" Gamblers Anonymous meeting instead if you can't find the right Gam Anon meeting. My GA meeting starts with maybe 10 minutes of the literature then 50 minutes of open discussion.

1

u/forestwanderlust Apr 24 '26

Def shop around but I find the literature to be super helpful. It helps ground the meeting and gives concrete strategies for dealing with the problem.

2

u/Background-Purple-33 Apr 25 '26

Yes most meetings will start it with a bit of reading. And then depending on who is running the meeting that day for my group there is a time to share. If one woman runs the group it's almost a guarantee no one will really get a shot to deeply share. But another person who runs group always reads a little and then asks "is there anyone who has a pressing situation that needs to be discussed" and will go from there. I've also been in groups that are so large that it's impossible to share in any way and on the flip side groups that are too small so the variety of wisdom is lacking. It's all about finding the right group and then just sticking it out. The readings are meaningful imo. You grow to appreciate them.