Your First GA Meeting: Stories from Those Who've Been
Real experiences from r/problemgambling and recovery forums about walking through that door
The Universal Fear (And Why It's Always Wrong)
Everyone thinks their first GA meeting will be their worst nightmare. These stories from people who've been there reveal what actually happens - and why the anticipation is always worse than reality.
Real First Meeting Stories
"I sat in the parking lot for 20 minutes"
"Drove to my first meeting and couldn't get out of the car. Watched people going in - they looked so normal. Finally went in 5 minutes late. An older guy smiled and whispered 'we saved you a seat.' I cried through the entire meeting. Been going for 3 years now."
- r/problemgambling member
What actually happened: People were expecting them and made space.
"I thought I'd be the youngest/oldest/only woman"
"I'm 22 and thought GA would be all old men. Walked in to find people from 19 to 70, all backgrounds. The person who became my sponsor is a 25-year-old woman in tech. My fears were completely wrong."
- GA member, 18 months clean
What actually happened: GA is surprisingly diverse.
"Expected judgment, found understanding"
"Admitted I'd stolen from my kids' piggy banks. Instead of disgust, heads nodded. One guy said 'I did that too.' Another said 'the shame nearly killed me.' They got it. No judgment, just 'keep coming back.'"
- GamCare forum
What actually happened: Everyone there has done things they're ashamed of.
"I was sure they'd make me speak"
"Terrified I'd have to tell my whole story. The secretary just said 'Would you like to introduce yourself? You can just say your name if you want.' I said 'I'm Dave and I think I have a problem.' That was enough. Didn't share for 6 meetings."
- Recovery story
What actually happened: Speaking is always optional.
"Thought it would be depressing"
"Expected doom and gloom. People were laughing before the meeting, talking about normal stuff. During shares, yes, there were tears, but also hope. One guy was celebrating 5 years clean. People actually seemed... happy?"
- First meeting reflection
What actually happened: Recovery includes joy and laughter.
What Really Happens: Meeting Structure Decoded
Before the Meeting (The Hardest Part)
- People arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Casual chatting, coffee making
- Someone will likely approach you
- "First meeting?" is asked kindly, not intrusively
- You can say "just listening tonight"
The Meeting Format (Predictable & Safe)
-
Opening (5 minutes)
- Serenity Prayer (join in or just listen)
- Reading of GA preamble
- "Who's here for their first meeting?"
-
Readings (10 minutes)
- Someone reads from GA literature
- Unity Program readings
- 12 Steps (just listening is fine)
-
The Break (15-20 minutes)
- Originally for smoking, now for connection
- People will introduce themselves
- Phone numbers exchanged
- Bathroom escape if overwhelmed
-
Sharing/Therapy Time (30-45 minutes)
- Members share experiences
- No crosstalk (no one responds/judges)
- Pass if called on
- Tears are normal and okay
-
Closing (5 minutes)
- Serenity Prayer in circle (optional)
- "Keep coming back"
- More number exchanges
Your Meeting Finder Toolkit
📍 Find In-Person Meetings
GA Meeting Directory
- Official GA meeting finder
- Search by zip code/city
- Updated weekly
- Shows meeting types (open/closed)
Regional Hotlines (for meeting info)
- Los Angeles: (310) 366-0745
- New York: (212) 903-4400
- Chicago: (312) 346-1588
- UK: 0330 094 0322
💻 Online Meetings (Same Program, Less Scary)
GA Zoom Meetings - 24/7
- Virtual meeting directory
- Password usually: "serenity" or "recovery"
- Camera optional
- Chat participation allowed
Daily Schedule Highlights:
- 7:00 AM EST - "Early Birds" (great for beginners)
- 12:00 PM EST - "Lunch Bunch"
- 6:00 PM EST - Multiple time zones
- 10:00 PM EST - "Night Owls"
- 2:00 AM EST - International/crisis meeting
Meeting Apps:
- GA app - Meeting finder + readings
- Meeting Guide - Shows all 12-step meetings
- Zoom - Save meeting IDs for quick access
🎧 Listen First: Meeting Recordings
GA Speaker Meetings (YouTube)
- GA speakers playlist
- Hear full meetings before attending
- Learn the format and language
- Build courage through familiarity
Podcast Meetings:
- "GA Recovery Speakers"
- Available on Spotify/Apple
- Download for offline courage-building
Online Meeting Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Camera & Audio
✓ Camera off is totally fine - Many keep cameras off permanently
✓ Mute when not sharing - Background noise distracts
✓ Virtual backgrounds okay - Protect your privacy
✓ Phone dial-in welcome - Don't need video
Participation
✓ "Just listening" is enough - Say this if asked
✓ Chat participation counts - Type "thanks for sharing"
✓ Leave whenever needed - No explanation required
✓ Come late, leave early - Better than not coming
What to Say (If You Want)
Simple Introductions That Work:
- 💬 "Hi, I'm [Name], compulsive gambler"
- 💬 "I'm [Name], I think I have a problem"
- 💬 "I'm [Name], first meeting"
- 💬 "I'm [Name], just listening tonight"
Common Fears vs. Reality
| Your Fear | The Reality |
|---|---|
| "They'll judge me" | Everyone there has done shameful things |
| "I'll have to speak" | Many don't share for weeks/months |
| "Religious pressure" | "Higher Power" can mean anything |
| "They'll want money" | No fees, voluntary $1-2 if able |
| "I won't fit in" | Addiction is the common ground |
| "It won't work for me" | No one thinks it will work at first |
| "I'm not bad enough" | If you think you need it, you belong |
Your First Meeting Survival Kit
📱 Before You Go
Save These:
- Meeting address/Zoom link
- Hotline number as backup
- "Running late" text to someone
Prepare Yourself:
- You don't need to "get ready"
- Come as you are
- Bring tissues (seriously)
- Have an escape plan
Lower the Bar:
- Just getting there is success
- You can leave anytime
- Listening counts as participation
- No one is keeping score
🚪 At the Meeting
When You Arrive:
- Look for GA signs or ask someone
- Coffee is usually free
- Sit anywhere (back row is fine)
- Bathroom location for escapes
Magic Phrases:
Gets you instant support
No pressure to share
If asked to share
Universal response
📞 After the Meeting
Expect to Feel:
- Exhausted (emotional release)
- Hopeful (you're not alone)
- Scared (change is scary)
- Skeptical (totally normal)
Do This:
- Save one phone number
- Plan your next meeting
- Be gentle with yourself
- Eat something comforting
Alternative Meetings & Approaches
🧬 SMART Recovery
Science-based, no Higher Power
- Online meeting schedule
- 4-Point Program vs 12 Steps
- Worksheets and tools
- Cross-talk allowed
🧘 Buddhist Recovery
Meditation-based approach
- Recovery Dharma meetings
- Mindfulness focus
- Inclusive of all addictions
👥 All In The Family
For gambling specifically
- Smaller organization
- Phone meetings available
- More discussion-based
💬 Discord/Online Communities
- 24/7 peer support
- Text-based "meetings"
- Anonymous usernames
- Young person friendly
What Long-Timers Want You to Know
"The first meeting is the hardest"
"I've been to 1,000+ meetings. None were as hard as walking into the first one. You've already done the hardest part by looking this up."
"We need you there"
"Newcomers help us remember why we're there. You're not taking up space - you're helping us stay clean."
"It's okay to meeting-shop"
"Try different meetings. Each has its own personality. Find your people."
"The coffee is terrible everywhere"
"It's tradition. We make bad coffee but good recovery."
Emergency Meeting Support
Can't Make It to a Meeting?
24/7 Phone Meetings:
- GA Phone Bridge: (712) 770-5603, Code: 111961#
- Runs every 2 hours
- Just dial in and listen
Crisis Text Support:
- Text HOME to 741741
- Say "gambling problem"
- Immediate support
One-on-One Support:
- Call 1-800-522-4700
- "I was going to a meeting but..."
- They understand
Your Next 24 Hours
✓ Right Now:
- Find 3 possible meetings (in-person or online)
- Set phone alarms for meeting times
- Tell someone you're going
✓ Before the Meeting:
- Read one GA story online
- Practice saying "I'm [name]"
- Remember: listening is enough
✓ At the Meeting:
- You belong there
- Tears are okay
- Leave if you need to
- But try to stay
✓ After:
- You did it
- Plan the next one
- You never have to do a first meeting again
The Truth No One Tells You
Your first GA meeting won't fix you. But it will show you something powerful: a room full of people who've stood exactly where you're standing and found a way out.
You don't have to believe it will work. You don't have to like it. You don't have to talk.
You just have to show up.
Ready for your first meeting? Find one now: GA Meeting Directory or call 1-800-522-4700 for help finding one. For immediate support, visit our crisis resources or browse our platform deletion guides to stop gambling access today.