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24 HOUR HELPLINE

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MEMBERS AREA

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Note from the Editor

Hello fellowship!

I’d like to start by saying a massive thank you to those you contributed to the

Christmas edition, the office for printing off all the copies (and adding a couple of

pages in as I got my page numbers wrong!), and for all the feedback from members

of the fellowship.

In total there were 17 submissions from 13 groups, which led to a very thought-

provoking issue to read over the festive period.

At the last National in Dundee in January, I proposed introducing a Scottish Life

‘Questions & Answers’ sheet, made available to all groups with the ultimate goals of

answering common questions about the magazine, and making members feel more

at ease in submitting something to the magazine in the future. I’ve included this in

the issue, and it will be distributed to groups and placed on the website in due

course.

A big thank you to everyone who sent in articles for this month’s magazine – I hope

you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

Kirsty

***A formal apology to Viewpark Saturday who were missing of the meeting list in the last issue

– thank you to William for pointing this out!***

The Editor reserves the right of refusal on all submissions and may shorten/amend articles where appropriate. Views and

opinions reflected in articles in the Scottish life (GA) are not necessarily the aims and ideals of GA or the Editor.

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Birmingham Convention 2019 & Glasgow Convention 2021

Places are filling up fast for the next GA Convention in Birmingham in

2019. The convention is from Friday 27th September to Sunday 29th

September. Different convention plans, and payment plans are

available. For more information, please contact the office.

It was also proposed at the AGM in October that Glasgow would hold

the next convention in Scotland in 2021. A committee has been

formed to host and take forward this convention. Dates will be Friday

24th September to Sunday 26th September, with the opening

ceremony on the Saturday, and the convention itself happening on

the Saturday and Sunday. Further details and venue will be posted at

a later date.

***REMEMBER GAM-ANON***

Gam-Anon can help and support the partner, relative or friend of any compulsive gambler. Our gambling and its consequences sometimes affect those around us. It can be beneficial for those affected to contact Gam-Anon.

Please email: contact@gamanonscotland.org (or contact the G.A. office)

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Useful Numbers as of 01/06/2014

Citizens Advice Scotland Debt Advice Centre

Aberdeen 01224 569 750 Aberdeen 01224 523 738

Dumfries 0300 303 4321 Dumfries 0800 019 1278

Dundee 01382 307 494 Dundee 01382 431 167

Edinburgh 01315 548 144 Edinburgh 0131 200 2360

Falkirk 01324 626070 Falkirk 01324 506735

Glasgow 0141 552 5556 Glasgow 0808 801 1011

Inverness 0844 4994 111 Highland 0800 090 1004

Perth 01738 450580(1) Perth 01738 450580

Saltcoats 01294 467 848 Saltcoats 08001383328

What to take with you to the Citizens Advice Bureau www.cas.org.uk/bureaux

You should not delay seeking advice even if you haven't got all the information listed below. In some cases, there may be only a limited time in which to take certain action. It is important that the adviser who deals with your problem has as much information about your case as possible. (It may take longer

to deal with your case if you cannot provide the relevant information)

Debt/money problems

• Details of your income

• Details of all those that you owe money to (creditors)

• Copy of original agreements

• Copy of any court papers

• Proof of income

• Wage slips/benefit/tax credit details

• Details of household expenditure/bills (food, utilities, etc.)

• Copy of the latest correspondence you have received

Housing problems

• Tenancy agreement/letters from your landlord (for rented accommodation)

• Mortgage details (if applicable)

• Title deeds (for owner occupiers)

• Proof of income

• Wage slips/benefit/tax credit details

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Weekly Meeting Statistics

A reminder to all groups that meeting attendance figures are to be submitted weekly via the

form sent to the Group Secretary (this form is also available on the GA Scotland website

under ‘GA Members Pages’).

If your meeting attendance figures are missing from the website, then your Secretary may

not be receiving emails and you should bring this to their attention.

As our fellowship grows, it’s important for us to see the rate at which we are growing in

order to keep building on the vital support the fellowship and the people within it provides

to all members.

If you are not receiving the form through your Secretary email or you are having problems

submitting your figures, please email webmaster@gascotland.org.

Volunteers Required for Therapies

Many of you know our friend Chet who mans the Live Chat from Michigan,

U.S.A. Chet attended Gamblers Anonymous in Scotland for many years and

helped many people in their recoveries.

His meeting is a small one and he is looking for volunteers to attend the

meeting via FaceTime to do a therapy for the benefit of the members there.

A few members have already taken part and it is well worth it.

INTERESTED IN HELPING?

All you need is an ‘Apple product, internet connection and a bit of time to

give back.

Get in touch - Alan (Perth)

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Brian H – Blackburn Monday - Therapy

My earliest memories of any sort of gambling was even before I was ten-years-old and is probably like a lot of families at that time where I played cards with my Mum and Dad for coppers. This was something I loved and even now that I am in recovery, I still see this as fun times spent with my parents (and sometimes my sister) at home or on holiday having fun and laughing and joking. Unfortunately, also looking back from a period of recovery the traits that would dog me through my gambling life were being established at that early age. Some memories are clearer than others, but I always remember that when my Mum would stick the kettle on and leave the card game, I would ask my Dad to switch games to pontoon for larger stakes and the games would be quicker. That behaviour right there confirms to me that I was a compulsive gambler even at that young age. I had a paper round in my teens which I shared with my mate and we did a week about on this. This was the first time I had decent amounts of money and so allowed me to gamble more. I used to go and collect my paper money from my customers on a Thursday & Friday night after school and instead of then going out with mates, I would go to an off licence in the Main Street in Whitburn to play the fruit machine. I would spend hours of my time in that shop over my teen years. I would just feed all my paper money (some of which had to be paid to the paper shop to cover my bill) into that machine until I had nothing left. Highlighting how illogical a compulsive gambler is at the height of their gambling would be to say that the jackpot was £4 in tokens (which could only be spent in the shop), so I would sometimes spend 20 times that in trying to win £4 in tokens. It was not about the money, it was about the thrill of winning and the lights for me. I started working at 17 and met Isla on my first day at work, for the next 6 years I lived a relatively normal life and went out with mates, spending a lot of time with Isla and playing a lot of football. During this period the gambling really calmed down and I would put a coupon on weekly and stick a few quid in the puggy on the way back from the bar in the pub. However, this period was littered with moments of destruction too, one of those was on the way to Maryhill to play a Scottish Cup tie where there was always a card school with all the players. I lost a fortune that day and always remember on the park at Maryhill thinking about how much money I had lost rather than the game. Even back then I was letting down my team mates as I was a compulsive gambler. At 24 I married Isla and looking back this was really a happy time for me. We had bought our first house 6 months previously and although Isla moved in, I still stayed at my Mum & Dad’s as I wanted to come back from my Honeymoon and look forward to moving in. We had a great Honeymoon and I truly believe that this would be the last holiday where I would not worry about the effects my gambling was having on my life and everyone involved in it.

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Exactly one year after our wedding I started a new job with the company I still work with now. I got friendly with two guys who were Managers in the firm, and they were playing Online Casinos at the time and winning money risk free. It was relatively small amount of money, but they were withdrawing all their winnings and they soon added up. They would withdraw and then use that money to buy normal things. I very quickly got involved in this but instead of withdrawing the money I always tried to make it bigger and would regularly fail to do so, I would lose all my stakes and more. I always had to do it bigger and better than everyone else and I would regularly lie to my colleagues that I had made as much if not more than them when the truth was, I was losing regularly. They introduced me to Online Gambling and poker. 99% of my gambling would be done online and usually via mobile phones so this was an important stage in my story. Over the next two years my gambling escalated in both stakes being placed and regularity of my gambling. I started to take loans out to cover lies I had told Isla and had multiple credit cards which I would use for my gambling. I even started to apply for credit cards for Isla and loans which she would sign for as she thought it was to consolidate credit card debts which I had told her were due to our extravagant spending etc. This was in fact a total lie, but I had manipulated Isla so much that she would believe me every time. It came to the point in 2006 where our income was not enough to cover our debt and living expenses and the only way out was to get a Trust Deed (Bankruptcy) for both Isla and me. Looking back on this I see this act as the most shameful thing I have done in my life; I did not think twice about putting my wife into serious debt, ruining her credit score and not to mention putting her career at risk because of this. At the time though I got a kick out of getting away with not telling Isla about gambling and finding another way to sort it. I promised myself that I would never gamble again, and I would get away with this as a result. It seemed that the Trust Deed was a moment of clarity and it would allow me a second chance and it did allow me to stay gamble free for the next 2 years and our finances improved. This was to be just a reprieve though and I would place that first bet again in 2008 with a new perspective on gambling and thinking I could control it this time by being sensible. Very quickly however it was clear that I could not accept losing and my gambling rapidly escalated into bigger and bigger stakes and my life would return to being completely unmanageable; I would return to lying to Isla and covering up all our debts. In 2008 Isla fell pregnant and I found out that we would have twins. This was the most exciting news and I was delighted. I always remember thinking that for their sake I needed to stop gambling and start growing up but would keep putting this off as I couldn’t stop gambling. I eventually would say to myself that when they were born, I would stop gambling.

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In June 2009 my boys were born, and it truly was the happiest day of my life, however that night when the hospital asked me to leave, my best friend asked me round for a beer to celebrate and looking back this shows where my mind was at. Instead of toasting the birth of my boys I decided that going home to play poker on my own in a dark room was a better idea. I stayed up most of that night playing online and, in the process, lost a big sum that night. Instead of going into hospital the next morning with a spring in my step, I went in with all the debt and worry on my mind. The gambling continued for the next 2 years and followed the same pattern as before until in 2011 I owned up to my wife as I could not take the stress of it any longer. She was furious but probably because of the kids she stood by me and I promised her I would get help. I went to GA at Oxgangs and went to meetings there for 3-4 months. Looking back on this I can safely say I attended these meetings and did not take them seriously and was attending to pacify my wife. After 3-4 months I convinced Isla that I didn’t need to go any more and that is was CURED! I once again went a while (2 years) without placing a bet but again looking back this was willpower and would eventually catch up with me. It did in 2013 as I started once again by thinking that if I changed my betting patterns etc., that I could manage this better and differently to before. Yet again I was proven wrong and within a short space of time I returned to hell for leather betting. Every minute of every day was spent either thinking of gambling or placing bets. They couldn’t come quick enough and I would bet on football, volleyball, horse racing or basketball. It didn't matter as long as I had a bet on it. This time I kept this hidden for 5 years, and in this time, I maxed out debt once again and lied and manipulated Isla and would put my whole family at risk to fund my gambling. There were times I would get on a train at lunchtime in Edinburgh back home just to intercept mail to maintain lies and all the hidden debt. It all came to a head though on 8th April 2018 when Isla found a bookie slip in my wallet. I immediately told her everything that I had been doing and what trouble financially that we were in because of me. I thought for sure that she would kick me out as she had warned me about this the last time. I am not sure why but this time she seemed calm and I think that she truly realised that I had a real problem with gambling, and I needed help. I can't put into words how much I thank Isla for standing by me as it has made my recovery so much easier having her by my side.

Flip to page 33 to read Brian’s recovery!

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Joe – Dunfermline Monday

9.30am on a rainy Friday morning would normally have been a day for me to gamble “socially” - sitting at my Dad’s, betting on horses or playing cards, thinking that I was being a good son when really all I was doing was just using the time to feed my habit. I am now able to visit my dad who is a heavy gambler thanks to GA and the recovery I have. Also, thanks to doing the 12 Steps, my life has changed, and I am living not a perfect life, but a lot better life than it was.

Just for today I will not gamble and apply the 12 Steps into my life.

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Pete – Bath Street I came into GA in September 2017 having just turned my partner Linsey’s life upside down as the

truth of my gambling had been found out. I was given the ultimatum of either stop gambling and

get help or lose her all together. In all seriousness, I thought about this for a while as I really

believed that I loved gambling, that I was unlucky and that all I needed was one huge win to turn it

all around. I was a slots gambler and although she knew I gambled, she had no idea to what extent

until I had accidentally taken the iPad off private mode one day and she discovered it all. I will never

forget the text coming through and my stomach sinking - I knew that I had been caught.

This was a really bad time for us as you can imagine; I left our home and went to stay with a friend

in Airdrie as she could not stand to even look at me let alone live in the same house. I felt that this

was the best thing as I hoped she would forget about the gambling and forgive. This was not the

case.

Linsey took me back in but only if I had promised to get help. By this point the love I had for

gambling had diminished and I felt that I was ready to stop gambling. I had gotten to a point where

I hated what was looking back in the mirror and not being able to live a normal life and live like a

proper person would. I was still very apprehensive about GA and very sceptical whether it would

work.

My first meeting was Dennistoun Tuesday as I stayed on Duke Street at the time and was not willing

to travel to a meeting as I did not have any desire to really get better. At the start I was doing this

all for my partner as I did not really want to lose her, and I was purely just filling a seat in the church

hall. I stood outside thinking of all the expansive lies I could make up - I even considered walking

around Alexandra Park for a few hours and then going back home and claim I was cured, and that I

really enjoyed the meeting.

Something inside me told me to go in and give this a chance. I had tried to stop gambling multiple

times over the years but to very little success; I could maybe abstain for a week or two and this was

generally due to lack of finances. I went in and was greeted by Dennistoun member Gary who

shook my hand and looked very cheery - I did not understand how he looked so happy as I was

beat, on my knees and didn’t think it would ever be possible to look that happy.

My first meeting had been and gone and I remember thinking what was all that about. The only

thing I remember about the first meeting was the terrible headache I had and the reaction from my

partner after I went in and expected a round of applause and forgiveness. Safe to say I didn’t get

this, and I was given a look which would confirm it would take more than one meeting to try and

get things back on track.

As the weeks went by, my effort levels did not increase, and I was struggling in the meeting, taking

resentment and not thinking very much of the fellowship. At this point it was only the contact I had

with Gary that was keeping me in the rooms - I am still very thankful of this as he does not know

how much he helped me at that time when I was really struggling.

I was still only doing one meeting a week to my detriment which was not helping my recovery at all.

However around 10 meetings in I got to a second meeting and was starting to think more clearly

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Would you like to become a LiveChat agent like Pete?

Please contact our LiveChat Coordinator Alan on livechat@gascotland.org

and make more rational decisions, as well as starting to enjoy the meetings and take positives out

of them.

At this point, I had decided to move to a smaller base meeting to help further aid my recovery. I

moved along to Bath Street and I remember my first night there and feeling right at home with the

other members.

I then upped my meetings to two a week and it is true what they say - meetings make recovery and

I felt my recovery really took off when I increased my meetings. I was attending meetings on a

Monday and a Friday and I felt that this had given me a great balance. My attitude towards GA had

really changed around and I could see that my life was getting much better as the days and weeks

progressed, in fact at one point Linsey said to me you don’t have to go to meetings anymore and

that she saw a massive change in me. It was difficult trying to explain the importance of keeping

going to meetings and not being cured after such a small period. She now understands this much

better and loves the fact that I am an active GA member.

I got my first-year pin in October 2018, something I never thought was possible for someone who

could barely get through one day without gambling and whose life was completely unmanageable.

It was a very emotional night with Linsey presenting me with my pin and my family coming up from

Manchester; I felt fantastic to have reached this milestone.

The days after I felt flat and that I wanted that all over again. Members had warned me that this

may happen and warned against complacency. This lasted a week or so and then I got back into my

stride and really got back to living life one day at a time, refraining from gambling.

Being on a good recovery is great but it has not just been handed to me, I have had to work hard on

myself and on my GA to ensure that I maintain doing the right things as much as possible. I have

worked hard to get involved (including becoming the group secretary) and get good people around

me to ensure that I stay on the right path and managed to get one of my close friends in the

fellowship to be my sponsor which has also been great for my recovery. I use the tools as much as

possible outside the rooms as I believe that this is vitally important.

One huge part of my recovery in the last 4/5 months has been the Live Chat which I have been a

part of, trying to help people who are really struggling with this illness and trying to get them some

help and if possible, to a meeting. This gives me great satisfaction and helps with identification

when taking the chat from the person. This also really helps with involvement as you speak with

people you would maybe not ever meet at a meeting due to location and gets your name about the

fellowship. I would urge anyone who can do the Live Chat to get involved as it really does help with

your recovery and gives you a better understanding of how important it is for people to come into

the fellowship and try and turn their lives around.

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Mari - Coatbridge

The spin of a wheel, busted my hand,

Oh how I couldn’t understand.

Balance drops, belly flops,

I thought one day I’d come up tops.

Bank is empty, me, I’m broken,

By an illness never spoken.

Relationship damaged, life a mess,

Wondering where I’ll end up next.

A guiding hand, an open door,

Pins? Recovery? Tell me more.

Open up, let it all out,

GA can help there is no doubt,

Ready and willing wanting to heal,

And just to feel how humans feel.

One year on, oh what a change

Happy, settled – no more carnage.

Friends love and support help heal the

damage,

Still far to go – so much more to know,

One day at a time, to my meeting I’ll go.

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Helpline

Many GA volunteers give up some of their time to go on the

Helpline and take calls from the compulsive gambler who still

suffers. Do you have some spare time to help and give back?

Then contact Bryan, Helpline Coordinator on

rutherglen_tue@gascotland.org

Webmaster

Our Webmaster Greg is looking for volunteers to join the

Webteam. There are many ways to help no matter what your IT

level; if you have access to a computer, laptop or mobile device,

you can help! Want to know more? Get in touch with Greg at

webmaster@gascotland.org.

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Dean – Kirkcaldy Saturday

I travelled the world; South and North America, Africa, Asia, all major cities in

Europe. World Cups, European Championships, the Ashes, Cricket World Cup,

title fights in Vegas, all major horse racing events. I had good job, earning good

money. People looking from the outside looking in thought I had a great life.

How wrong people were.

I often wonder was it the raffle I won at school when I was eight years old; was

that the start? Even though I was so young, the feeling I got when my number was

drawn out and I was presented with this huge fruit cake was amazing.

From there it was amusement arcades down at Seaburn sea front every weekend.

I’d stay at my Auntie’s house and on a Sunday night instead of getting the bus

back home, I’d walk to the seafront, put my bus fare in the penny machines and

had to walk the four or five miles home. I was nine years old.

I remember going to visit my brother in Blyth when I was ten or eleven, and on

the way back, my Mum would take us to the Spanish City at Whitley Bay. It’s

there that my love for horse racing started.

There was a machine in the arcades where you could bet on American horse

racing. I would put all my money in this machine and even when I’d ran out, I’d

just stand and watch, fascinated.

I’d sly out of school to stand outside the bookmakers, listening to the racing. I

was getting involved in petty crime, stealing from shops. The money made from

this was my betting money for Saturday, when I’d spend all day stood outside the

betting shop no matter what the weather.

After a few years working temporary factory jobs, I managed to get myself a small

window cleaning round, and I also got engaged. But the gambling never stopped

or relented.

I decided to sell the window cleaning round and go down to London to look for

work. The money I got from the business, I lost the same day in the bookies.

I got a job down South and the company put me through an apprenticeship. The

gambling never stopped - every time I had money, I just wanted to place a bet.

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Dean – Kirkcaldy Saturday

I admitted I had a gambling problem. I was 20 years old, but it didn’t stop me.

My relationship soon ended, and I started drinking heavily. Together with the lies,

she just wouldn’t put up with it.

I continued working away from home and then I met Joanne. By this time, the

night racing had started, and gambling had totally taken over my life. Every time I

had money, I would want to gamble. I’d started going to casinos, dog tracks,

racecourses, anywhere where I could place a bet. The bookies started to stay open

later at night and that is where I would head after work. I’d love to have a big

amount of money in my wallet. What a buzz I got, even just walking up to the

bookies. But as soon as the door shut behind me, the buzz went, and it was chaos.

I was giving Joanne the housekeeping money most weeks, and the rest of the

money was mine to play with. My life was out of control. I’d borrow money off

anyone, it didn’t matter if I’d only just met them and I would make up any excuse

as to why I didn’t have the money to give back. It was usually Joanne who would

bail me out.

The relationship with Joanne wasn’t good; we were always separating, arguing, all

down to me and my gambling. I would never admit I was wrong. I would always

shift the blame to someone else. This went on for years. My mind was a mess and

I was a shell of a man, always chasing that buzz. I had many a big win, but it was

never enough. Whatever I would spend money on, I would always feel the need

to gamble to try and get the money back.

My son was born in 1996 and I swore I’d never gamble again. A day later, I was

stood in the betting shop. He was rushed into hospital and I got a phone call at

work. Instead of heading straight to hospital, I ended up in the bookies before I

eventually made it to the hospital two hours later.

By this time, I had a telephone account with a bookie in Manchester. This meant I

could bet with no money - all I had to do is ring a bet in and settle when I got

paid,

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Dean – Kirkcaldy Saturday

It was a nightmare every week for eighteen months. I’d send a registered envelope

down to Manchester with hundreds of pounds in it. Never once did he ever send

money to me.

The only time I got any length away from gambling is when I travelled to Holland

to work as there was no betting shops. I managed to save a significant amount of

money in the ten weeks I was there. When the contract came to an end, I drew all

the money I had from my Dutch bank account and headed for the Airport. I

remember it was Christmas time and I was so happy that I’d managed to save so

much money. I couldn’t wait to get home, however as I cleared customs, I saw a

sign for the casino. Ten weeks gamble free, I was desperate to place a bet. I made

my way to the casino with a lot of money in my pocket, and as soon as I placed

that first bet, I knew I was doomed. In less than 90 minutes, I was broke.

I returned home and made up some excuse that I hadn’t been paid for the work

I’d done - just one of the thousands of lies I’d told over the years.

I continued to work as a contractor all over the UK. I closed my account with the

bookie in Manchester. I didn’t need him anymore as the internet and the smart

phone had arrived - my living nightmare was about to get worse.

In December 2013, Joanne and I split after 23 years together. I left her for another

woman who I’d only met briefly in London, but we kept in touch. I headed back

to Scotland where I was working at the time, and Rozi travelled across from

Malaysia, staying with me for a month. Joanne had warned her about my

gambling, but I just denied it, saying Joanne was trying to split us up.

The truth was that the gambling got even worse.

We got married in Dunfermline and the ceremony was at 11am. I was in the

bookies at 10:45, my best man ringing to see where I was. Luckily, Rozi was late

and was none the wiser. Looking at myself in my wedding photos, I was like a

zombie. I remember checking the bets I had on all day in the bar and same old

same old, I lost.

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Dean – Kirkcaldy Saturday

I was hiding my gambling from Rozi. She didn’t know how much money I was

earning. She knew I was gambling but didn’t know how bad it was.

We then found out Rozi was pregnant and once again, I swore to myself that I

would stop gambling. No more. I would never gamble again, and I meant it. But

as soon as I got paid, I gambled again.

Aiden my son was born in the July, and in the August, we travelled back to

Malaysia for visit Rozis family. Whenever we travelled back to Malaysia, Rozi’s

family paid for everything; food, hotel, flights as I had no money. They would ask

Rozi why I was always on my phone, but I’d tell her I was looking for work.

I soon discovered I couldn’t even make the interest payments on the credit cards,

so I took out a bank loan to clear the cards. We all know what happened next.

For the first time, I seriously thought about question 2. Rozi would be better off

back with her family in Malaysia.

The family came over to visit us and we travelled to London for a few days, paid

for by Rozi’s family of course. My wife’s sister tried to book return flights from

London to Edinburgh, but for some reason her card kept getting rejected. She

asked me if I would book them on my debit card and she would give me the cash

to put in the bank to cover the flights. I left the apartment to put the money in

the bank. The bookies were on one side of the road, and the bank on the other. I

was convinced that this time, I was going to win. But as soon as I placed that bet,

I was beat, and I knew it. I went back and told them everything was sorted and

pretended to book the flights for the following week. But when we got back

home Rozi, asked to see the confirmation and I had to tell her I hadn’t booked

them. She was mad but bailed me out.

On September 19th, 2016 I walked into Dunfermline GA.

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ME

WHY?

I was asked last night at my meeting HOW do I keep coming to GA

(35+ years)?

My daily learning HOW.

I came to GA to continue my journey and I asked many, many times

HOW do you stop gambling? I struggled, but I was guided towards

honesty, open-mindedness, willingness. HOW.

I was asked WHY do you keep coming to GA?

I find it difficult to answer that.

I find it hard to share that I'm 33 years gambling free

(uncomfortable it may chase members away).

My daily strive to remove COMPULSION is helped by meetings

(fellowship, friendship, unity). I found out I had 44+ character

defects. I found out I had hurt 40+ people. GA gives me the

chance (I could say choice) to address those issues. I continue to

attend to help ME; how to remove, guilt, anger, fear, self-

centeredness. resentments and others. I continue to attend to help

OTHERS in their recovery path, I share my experience, strength &

hope.

I do not give advice.

In step 11, my conscious contact with god, described by me as

Guidance Order Direction.

HOW? Kerry - Dumbarton

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GA

GOD

I found some spiritual principals, and to hear them on a regular

basis I NEED to attend GA.

To learn how to practice them I NEED to attend GA.

To continue my spiritual growth I NEED to attend GA.

To help me refrain from gambling, I NEED to attend GA.

Someone suggests the best way to do that is "to give IT away", so I

NEED to come to GA.

To learn what that is (IT) I NEED to continue to come to GA.

Could suggest with my many years’ experience, I'm fortunate I want

to come to GA; its became part of my life.

I may even suggest I'm guided to GA by a higher power which I

describe as my conscience. I've learned (and I’m still learning) the

difference between right and wrong and GOD gives me the chance or

choice to do something about IT.

That above may change? As I said I find it hard to share HOW or

WHY I keep coming to GA.

Just Love is the ultimate principal (in my experience I find that very,

very difficult), but I strive to do my best.

Just for today I will not Gamble.

Kerry - Dumbarton NEED

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Get involved in our fantastic fellowship!

Gamblers Anonymous Scotland – Scottish Life Magazine

What is the Scottish Life Magazine?

The Scottish Life Magazine is a magazine created and run by GA members. It is accessible to all

GA members through hard copy and on the website, filled with information on all things GA,

including stories and experiences from members of the fellowship.

Why is the Scottish Life Magazine important?

The Scottish Life Magazine is a key tool in sustaining our unity with each other across all meetings

in Scotland, and is a platform to share experiences, strength, and offer hope to all.

How often is the magazine issued?

The magazine is issued once every two months, starting in February: February, April, June,

August, October, December.

Can any GA member submit something for the magazine?

Yes! There is no limit on how long you have been in the fellowship or how long you are off a bet.

What can you submit to the magazine?

It’s up to you! It could be a therapy, recovery, a piece on a specific topic or step, or even a poem.

Are you a meeting that has recently opened or had a busy month with pins/new members/open

meetings? Let the fellowship know how you’re meeting is getting on! Also, if you’re a keen

drawer/artist or photographer, we would love to include more images in future editions!

How do I make a submission?

Email your piece to scottishlife@gascotland.org . It can be typed as a word document and sent as

an attachment or just written as an email. No access to email? Don’t worry! You can write your

submission with pen and paper and send to the GA Head Office, St Columbkilles Halls, Room 3, 2

Kirkwood Street, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 2SL. Please mark for the attention of the Scottish Life

Magazine and it will be passed on.

scottishlife@gascotland.org

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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Get involved in our fantastic fellowship!

Gamblers Anonymous Scotland – Scottish Life Magazine

Is there a deadline for submitting something for the magazine?

Submissions are welcomed every single day of the year! However, the deadline for submissions

for the forthcoming issue is the 3rd Friday of the month of issue (excluding December which is the

2nd Friday due to issuing the magazine before Christmas): 15th February, 19th April, 21st June, 16th

August, 18th October, 13th December.

I would like to share my story, but don’t feel confident with my spelling/grammar.

That’s okay! All submissions are modified by the Editor where necessary, including checking

spelling and grammar. If you don’t feel confident putting anything together, please contact the

Editor and they can help in putting your words down on paper.

Can my submission be made anonymous?

Yes. If you would like to submit something for the magazine but would like to remain

anonymous, please notify the Editor.

I submitted an article, but it isn’t in the magazine. What has happened to it?

You may have missed the deadline for the next issue. The Editor also reserves the right of refusal

on all submissions – this could be due to foul, threatening language or views, or talking about

something that has no relation to GA (as examples). The Editor will be in touch with members

directly who have submitted something to the magazine and will answer any queries you may

have.

scottishlife@gascotland.org

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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Simon – Livingston & PLO

My name is Simon from Livingston Thursday and I have the privilege of being the

PLO Coordinator for GA Scotland. PLO stands for Prison Liaison Officer and my

role within the fellowship is to spread the good word of GA to existing members

and offer help and support to compulsive gamblers who find themselves in

prison. We also, on request, provide literature and workings of the GA fellowship

to not only prisons but to each of the ‘Families Outside Hubs’ in Scotland.

We are always looking for members to volunteer in helping prisoners and their

families, and if you have some free time to give something back, please get in

touch with your group secretary or contact me at plo@gascotland.org.

My name is Simon, compulsive gambler, no gambling to report.

Ged – Dundee Monday & PRO

GA Scotland is regularly invited by organisations (including schools, universities

and charities to name but a few), to share our experiences and offer hope to

people who may be affected by gambling.

We are talking all over the country therefore we also have within the fellowship

Regional PROs, covering specific areas of Scotland.

There are a lot of upcoming events for members of the fellowship to get involved

with.

If you’d like to get involved, or have any questions, get in touch at

pro@gasotland.co.uk.,

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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March 1 Reflection for the Day

Now that we’re free and no longer

gambling, we have so much more

control over our thinking. More than

anything, we’re able to alter our

attitudes. Some members of

Gamblers Anonymous, in fact,

choose to think of the letters of GA

as an abbreviation for “Great

Attitude”. In the bad old days, I

almost always responded to any

optimistic or positive statement

with, “Yes, but…” Today, in

contrast, I’m learning to eliminate

that negative phrase from my

vocabulary.

Am I working to change my

attitude? Am I determined to

“accentuate the positive”?

Today I Pray

May I find that healing and strength that God provides to those who stay

near Him. May I keep to the spiritual guidelines of the GA program,

considering the Steps, taking the Steps – one by one – then practicing them

again and again. In this is my salvation.

Today I Will Remember

To practice at least one Step.

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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Sean – Blackburn Monday

Growing up, I was always shown right from wrong and taught to treat others as I expected to be treated. Throughout school and life before gambling, I found these principles easy to follow and often valued the opinions of others, learning from my mistakes when I occasionally got it wrong. Continuously learning, I was not only able to learn from my own mistakes but sometimes learning from the mistakes I saw others making. This was not always the case however and to most, seeing the outcome of someone’s mistakes and the repercussions that came with it would generally have prevented most from doing the same. Not me. I was inquisitive and always curious as to whether the outcome would be different if only it was me. It goes without saying that the outcome was identical, and it frequently took a few attempts or the opinion/advice of someone I trusted to satisfy my curiosity. This curious nature brought me to my first introduction to gambling, a form of gambling that unbeknown to me would be the start of a long and painful rollercoaster that I couldn’t get off. The flashing lights and loud sounds drew my attention and seeing the person I was watching fail to win, I saw my opportunity to step in, telling myself it would be different for me. This mindset and style of gambling came to be a common theme and I would frequently watch over others, waiting for them to run out of money or walk away. Celebrating in my head when they lost or having resentment towards them in the event of a win. The other person’s feelings meant nothing to me, I was solely focused on myself and I was all that mattered. When the ammunition for gambling ran out, I often got enjoyment out of showing others how to play machines in hope that I would be rewarded with some winnings should my help/guidance result in success. I can see today that the machine did not make me place that first bet but my curious nature did. One person’s misfortune would be my gain. The character defects I had multiplied under the grip of a gambling addiction that was working on me daily. Throughout the emotional rollercoaster created by my compulsion to gamble, one that lasted for around 10 years, I went about life with the attitude that the world owed me, and my opinion was the only one that mattered. Throughout employment, gambling seriously impacted my ability to be a good employee. I wrongly ignored on occasion or viewed instructions from managers as opinions. If I disagreed, I would proceed to do my own thing to suit me. Throughout relationships, gambling seriously impacted my ability to be a loving, caring partner, always looking for an opportunity to manipulate situations to benefit me. I wouldn’t take the opinions of others seriously, often switching off or giving my input even when it wasn’t wanted.

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Sean – Blackburn Monday

Gambling had turned me into a manipulative, argumentative and self-centred individual who had no care or thought for anyone around me. This

was not the person I was brought up to be and I certainly wouldn’t have appreciated someone treating me like I was treating others.

I had to do something about what gambling had turned me into as I hated

the person I had become. Often attempting various methods of stopping

gambling, all of which were unsuccessful. Coming to GA I felt was my last

option but one I had to explore.

Walking through the door the first night, although distraught that my life

had come to such a deteriorated stage, selfishly I took some comfort from the fact others focused their attention on me.

My curious and inquisitive nature strangely channelled well into my approach to GA as I got involved with members, traveling to other

meetings and asking questions. I quickly started to see some of the principles I was taught from a young age coming back into my life and

benefiting my ability to sustain from gambling. Over time, the opinions of others began to matter again and the advice I was given and stories I

heard began to resonate with me.

Thankfully, life became less and less about me and this allowed me to learn again. As I continued to listen, I realised I had missed out on so

much and gambling had shadowed my ability to think and act normally.

Who was this person I had become? Someone that when I looked back on the actions of, I could not recognise. If this was how I saw my life

looking back, how did this look to others? Unfortunately, I was unable to turn back the clock and change my past, but I was able to determine my

future. As long as I continued to come to GA and live my life a day at a time not gambling, I can continue to recover. I don’t always get it right

today but with a clear head and not believing everything revolves around me, I can continuously work to improve.

I am not happy with some of the things I have done in my life, but I am

happy that I am a compulsive gambler in recovery. Today I believe I am a better person as a recovering compulsive gambler that I would ever have

been should I never have found gambling.

Today I try to listen to understand, not to reply!

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I had a good upbringing in the North of Scotland and never had much

to worry about through my school days. That was until my compulsive

gambling kicked in when I was in my mid 20’s. I guess my mid-teens

is when my gambling problem started though, as I did spend a fair bit

of time in amusement arcades. The flashing lights of the machines

and what seemed like the forever sound of coins dropping from

machines really did give me the buzz of gambling. Maybe because I

never got myself into real money problems and it was my own money,

I thought that I wasn’t affecting anyone else. The isolation that comes

with gambling though was apparent even at that young age. I would

often be with a group of friends when I played the machines, but as I edged closer to my late

teens/early 20’s, I found myself gambling more and more on my own. Probably because I knew I

was spending too much time/money on the machines in pubs or arcades. Only when I look back

now do I recall that my gambling was out of control even at that relatively early stage. I would

always put on a football coupon every weekend whenever possible, but again because I was only

betting a few pounds or so at a time, I never felt it was an issue.

Things for me took a definite turn for the worse in my mid 20’s. I began gambling in the company of

a friend who was placing large bets on horse races. I had never really bet on the horses and had no

knowledge of them, but I was simply astounded at the amounts of money my colleague was placing

over the counter in betting shops. Unfortunately for me these bets seemed to win more than they

lost and before I knew it, my small bets in bookies had soon increased significantly to the extent

where I ended up opening a telephone betting account, gambling on a near daily basis. Gambling

had me gripped. Unfortunately for me in those first few weeks of telephone betting I won significant

amounts of money and became convinced I had ‘cracked’ it in the betting world and could make

easy money by gambling. Oh, how wrong was I. Within a

few weeks, those vast amounts of winnings had soon

evaporated, and I was soon finding myself applying for

credit card after credit card. In the space of less than two

years I had blown a vast amount due to compulsive

gambling and had maxed out 4 credit cards. I had come to the stage that I was barely able to repay

the minimum amounts to each of these credit cards each month and the interest rates on these

cards were all high. My life was starting to crumble beneath me. Within a matter of weeks my then

girlfriend who I had been living with (in her house) knew something wasn’t right. I had managed to

lie and hide things so well up until then, but I couldn’t hold out any longer. I told my girlfriend that I

was in debt and was so sorry. I explained it was due to gambling and the look of horror and disbelief

in her face will live with me forever. She was in a state of shock as she asked how on earth could I

have wasted that amount of money. I didn’t know what to say other than I would never gamble

again. About a fortnight later, my girlfriend phoned me as I was staying at my Mum and Dad’s house

after a football night out to tell me she was ending the relationship. She simply asked me to come

over to her house to collect my belongings. Not much else was said. I couldn’t blame her, and I just

felt like my life was ending there and then. I was 26 years old with the realisation that I would have

to come clean with my parents and tell them my situation. I had no option as I had no other choice. I

was massively in debt.

Davie

Inverness

“My life was starting to crumble

beneath me.”

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It was the end of September 2002 when I had to break

the news to my parents about me needing to move

back in with them due to my relationship ending. When

I told them why and the extent of my debt, they were

again shell shocked. They always knew I liked a bet

here and there but to tell them the scale of my debt just left them stunned. My Mum suggested I

should look at GA meetings but probably due to my age and immaturity at that time I shrugged it off

and said I would be fine. My parents ended up taking out a bank loan to pay off all the credit cards

and I began paying them back each month. Slowly but surely, I started feeling a bit more

comfortable again. I wasn’t gambling (probably due to limited financial means in paying off what I

owed). After a few years or so I had paid my parents most of what I owed them and thought life was

getting back on track. It was then that I began gambling small amounts again, thinking things would

be ok. Before I knew it, I was back to my old haunts, gambling most days if not every day. My

girlfriend (now my wife) and I were staying in a small flat by then after I had moved out of my

parent’s house. The rent on the flat was cheap so I thought great, more money for me to gamble

with. A year in the flat and I was back in significant debt again with more credit cards. We ended up

moving due to my work where I managed to get a house where my work paid for the rent. This was

ideal I thought, as I could just gamble the money which I would normally be putting towards the rent.

I was gambling again and chasing my huge losses. By this time, it was all online gambling which

made things way too easy to gamble. I crumbled after 2-3 years of more compulsive gambling

(sometimes gambling 9-10 hours every day), where I was in debt again. I crumbled one afternoon

and phoned my wife to tell her the extent of my problem. She again knew nothing of what had been

going on as I had not told her about my past.

My wife did what my parents had done and used her savings to clear the debt. Again, I had been

bailed out. Again, I promised I would never gamble again. Again, more lies as before long I was

again gambling. This went on for another spell until my wife became suspicious of my moodiness

and general distant behaviour. One morning at the start of February 2013 I was at home with my

wife. I soon realised I had left my mobile phone in the bedroom. As I went to run upstairs it was too

late. My wife had already seen my phone and all the internet betting sites. She was devastated that

I had lied to her again. I had a mixture of emotions because although I was in bits, I also felt a

massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I knew I was finally beat by gambling. I had had

enough. I am so grateful to be able to say that my wife was prepared to give me one last chance to

salvage our marriage, so long as we put firm barriers in

place. And those barriers we did. I immediately filled out a

bank form at my work to have my wages paid into my

wife’s bank account and that is how it remains to this day

nearly 6 years on. All finances are now closely monitored

by my wife and I am accountable for every penny that we

spend. But most importantly I stepped through the door of the Inverness GA meeting at the end of

February 2013 and told my story. I was welcomed in by around 10 other compulsive gamblers, all

with the same illness as me. I took great heart from my first meeting and through acceptance and

desire I have managed to stay gamble free for nearly 6 years. One day at a time. I see GA as a

family to me and it has transformed my life and made me a better person. To make it work though

you must want it and to do the right things. I can never let myself get complacent about my recovery

or else I, like many other compulsive gamblers out there, could have a slip up. That is why I need

my meetings as the meetings really do make it. GA is like a medicine to me which I will need to take

a day at a time for the rest of my life. Thank you again GA.

My name is Davie. I am a compulsive gambler and I have no gambling to report.

“I was gambling again and chasing

my huge losses.”

“I see GA as a family to me and it

has transformed my life and made

me a better person.”

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My earliest memories of my gambling stretches back to my childhood. My Dad

was a gambler and like father like son, I followed suit. My Dad’s morals were

that if I won far too much money, he would help himself to the majority and

gave me back a third of it, as he thought that too much money was not good

for a kid to have. I gambled on anything, with my school intervals being spent

playing games for coins. I could not wait for the big events in sport to begin as I

fluttered with my bets. I was deceitful too; I used to sell football cards, and I

would steam open the tab to reveal what team it was, ensuring someone I

knew was the team name in that space.

I was in a rehabilitation centre for life problems and had my money under lock

and key in the centre’s safe; I had to submit receipts for items I purchased. I

devised a scheme to give the staff receipts other people dropped at the

supermarket to make out that I was the one buying the items on the receipt.

They could not tell the difference and I had succeeded in my manipulation to

getting money I would then use in the bookies.

In my desperation, one day I had lost all my rent money for the rehab centre

and I would have been kicked out if I didn’t pay it. But I ended up winning a

large sum when I was down to my last few pounds; I could only think someone

was looking down on me.

I got serious about recovery through Bethany’s Supported Housing, as a key

worker gave me the phone number for anonymous programs. I latched onto

two anonymous fellowships and a counselling service. As I suffer from multiple

addictions, the twelve spiritual steps to recovery helped me, I now have 14

years freedom from one addiction, 13 years freedom from a nicotine addiction,

and 13 years from gambling.

The Benjamin Franklin quote in the orange book stating “we must hang

together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately” spoke directly to my heart,

to my need for the fellowship as my problems left me single and lonely as I had

lost every relationship I had been in.

After my two-year pinning, I left the fellowship. But in 2016, I returned and

now I want to help others with the illness. I find it a great joy and privilege to

carry the GA message to other compulsive gamblers, just as it has carried me.

I find group and community related activity helps me thrive; to listen and learn

helps us in our fight against ignorance.

I love having freedom from these multiple addictions, as they were certainly

killing me day by day as a person.

It has been great to share a bit about my life and the struggles I’ve faced. God

never said that the journey would be easy, but he did say that the arrival would

be worthwhile.

Tam –

Edinburgh

Monday

“We must hang

together, or

assuredly we shall

all hang

separately”

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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I have not sent an article to the Scottish life for years. I have just read the last edition and taken so much out of the magazine. Thank you for reminding me what a wonderful fellowship we have. This fellowship has giving me the life I have today. I first attended Edinburgh Monday on the 14th of July 2008. This is the day that changed my life and gave me the chance of having a life. I got a great welcome on that night just like any meeting I attend all over Scotland when I get time to visit. I learned on that night to be honest from now on, to be accountable to someone concerning money and not to carry money during the very early days. I still try to stick to these 3 rules. These 3 rules have seen me through some very hard times. What gratitude I have for GA and its’ members. I gambled from roughly 15 years to 35 years. I worked from 17 to 35 and had not a thing to show for it. I had lost relationships through gambling, and this is when I wanted to attended GA for the first time. My life was a mess and I had nowhere to turn, or so I thought. I had ruined my Mum and Dad’s lives through this horrible addiction. My partner was fed up with being fed up. My kids were roughly 4 and 5. I knew I needed to change my ways to give everyone a better life and start to grow up for once. After my 2nd GA meeting I was in a good place for the first time in ages. Then my partner wanted me to leave the family home. I was totally gutted. I will always remember telling my boys with tears rolling down my face. This was where gambling took me. I started living with a friend for six months, then I felt I needed to move back in with my Mum and Dad, sleeping on an airbed. This gave me a chance to do an extra meeting a week and gave me time to think and not feel sorry for myself. I had created this situation. I started to pay off debts as my Mum had control of my cash. I also knew there was no way I could get or steal money off my Mum and Dad. Knowing this helped me, as did the help of the fellowship. I started to see my life was getting better every day that I never placed that next bet. After about a year away from the family home, my partner felt we could give our relationship one last chance. It was great news! I was told I would be on last chance saloon the rest of my days. I know I’m still on one last saloon and that will never change. This has also helped me stay away from placing a bet. I would not lose just money, I would lose everything I have been working on to get back into my life.

Life is more enjoyable nowadays. I work towards having a normal life. That's all I ask for. I will always remember a member at Edinburgh Oxgangs Saturday. He told me you can have anything in your life if you’re not gambling. That statement is not far wrong. I’m working towards making amends to the people I really hurt the most. Saying that, I’m not sure that is possible with what I did in my gambling life. During a family trip in Spain last year, my Dad told me he was proud of me. I could not believe the words came out my Dad’s mouth. That is a reason for me to not go back. I can’t let my family down again. GA has saved my life. I’m still in and will always be in the biggest fight of my life. I can’t place that next bet. Only GA and nothing else can help me through this.

Mark S –

Kelso

“Life is more

enjoyable

nowadays.”

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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I found myself finally contacting the GA live chat at the age of 46 years of age, after

gambling from a very young age. The previous 12 years of my gambling prior to

attending a meeting, I would describe as compulsive. No matter whether I won or

lost, I was never happy. I always wanted to continue and try to win more money or

more than likely, continue and chase my ever-increasing losses.

It was a Sunday evening when I made that contact and I was at the lowest ebb in my

life. I knew myself that I really needed help. The person I contacted on the Live Chat

was friendly and helpful and recommended that I attend a GA meeting as soon as I

could. On the following day, a Monday night, I walked through the doors of GA

Clydebank for the very first time. It was difficult to do and even to this day I find it

hard to recall much of what was said by those attending but can remember leaving

with hope.

When previously confronted by my wife and family on umpteen occasions, I'd always

deny that I had serious problems with my

gambling and insisted that I could stop it at any

time of my choosing. I gambled online just about

every day and this really fed my compulsion as it

gave me easy access to it no matter where I was

or who I was with.

I held down a responsible job, lived in a nice

home and had three beautiful children. To

someone looking at me from the outside, it

appeared that my life was good, but the truth

was it was in a self-destruct downward spiral. Financial debts were mounting, and my

family life was in danger of ending and this was all because I couldn't or didn't want

to control my compulsion.

I'd become reckless with not only money, but with my employment and my family

and friends. I didn't care about my work or family and afforded my children little time

when gambling. The only thing that really mattered to me whilst gambling was

myself and getting the opportunity to place bets without interruption. I became very

antisocial and I only wanted to be by myself so I could have time and peace to

gamble. I'd refuse to do overtime at work because I thought that I could earn easy

money by sitting gambling all day and night. It took over my life and became all-

consuming and I was in a downward spiral. There were many nights that I was only

sleeping for 3-4 hours either due to staying up to gamble or not being able to sleep

due to the financial worries that my gambling caused.

Andy - Clydebank

Therapy

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 31

Even when I attended GA meetings in the first 6 months of my recovery, looking back, I

really didn't give a full commitment to it. I honestly thought that I could attend meetings for

a while and then stop going and maybe return to ‘normal ‘gambling again and ideally win

MY money back. I also didn't have a lot of contact with fellow members away from

meetings. So, it wasn't really a surprise that I began to test and tempt myself again and in a

very quick period I was back gambling again, worse than ever.

Fortunately for me, I was quickly contacted by a Clydebank member and he encouraged me

to return to the meetings after a few weeks away from them. When I returned, I finally

realised that I must always be aware and vigilant of my compulsion. I try to attend more

meetings and keep in touch more often with other GA members. I enjoy the meetings and

like to listen to others. I've never left a meeting and not learned something or thought of

something that a member has said, and I feel comfortable being there. The people in the

rooms can understand and relate to the many issues that a compulsion brings and likewise I

can relate to their experiences.

It’s not been easy at times as I'm still learning about

myself and my nature, even at my age. But taking

things slowly and one day at a time, life can really

improve. Through GA, I have learned that whatever

issues life throws at you, they are more manageable

following the programme.

I can still mess up and make the wrong choices or

think and say the wrong things or treat people the

wrong way, but what GA has given me is a chance to

continually assess my actions and behaviour and if I

do this it will hopefully make me a better person to all the people in my life.

I have now been gambling free for almost 2 ½ years and the difference being away from all

the chaos and worry has given me a real appreciation of what really matters in life. I have a

far better work ethic than what I did whilst gambling and my relationship with my wife and

three daughters is far better and stronger now.

I now have a Grandson and another on the way and GA has made me thankful for what I

have and could have lost if I'd continued to do what I did. It is good to commit 100% to my

Grandchild when I take him out for a walk or watch him overnight. I do a lot of reflection

when I'm out for a walk pushing his pram; the simple things like that make me truly happy.

It really is down to the fellowship and the people in the rooms. I believe that I'm fortunate

to have walked through the doors at that Clydebank meeting when I did, and I try not to

think where'd I'd be if I hadn't.

Andy - Clydebank

Recovery

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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You have probably tried to stop gambling before, but the difference this

time is a willingness to accept help. The source of this help may not be

clear yet, but take a chance and give GA an opportunity to show you that

it works. Even if you cannot accept this step at once, be patient, regular

attendance will lead to its acceptance.

This did not make sense. My gambling was mine. How could something

outside of me stop me gambling? And I only wanted to stop gambling,

not to be preached to about the way that I lived my life. I kept coming

back to this step to try and understand it. Finally the penny dropped. This

was neither complicated nor difficult. I just had to hold on to the warmth

and friendship that I found when I arrived in GA. I just had to remind

myself that it was through sharing that I had managed to stay stopped for

the first few days and weeks. I just had to stop fighting and start sharing.

STOP being afraid and stop feeling alone. Accept that sharing is not

a sign of weakness.

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

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Brian H – Blackburn Monday – Recovery

I said to Isla straight away that I would go back to GA and I returned on Monday 9th April to Nicholson Square in Edinburgh. If I am truthful, I did go in this time with not much commitment and not sure what to expect. I attended the meeting for the next two weeks, but it really wasn’t suiting me with my work. I decided to reach out to Blackburn and spoke to Tam on the phone and he said he would meet me at Blackburn, so I turned up at Blackburn and sat at the top of the car park frantically looking at every car which turned up to see if I knew anyone. There was one person I knew who turned up and I nearly never went to the meeting because of this but made the decision that I can’t run away so I went in. I enjoyed the Blackburn meeting for the first few weeks and it was the only meeting I attended in the first few weeks. The strong message was to get to more meetings, but I knew better that I only needed one. I enjoyed the first month in GA and it seemed different from last time but after four weeks I started to struggle and didn’t want to go to the meetings. I reached out to Mark S and asked if him I should do the steps or get a sponsor. I was frantic to find out why this wasn’t working for me. The advice I got was to slow down and not be too eager to do everything 100 mph, that is the mind of the compulsive gambler who wants everything to happen yesterday. The main thing Mark advised was to commit to more than one meeting. I increased my meetings to two meetings a week and within a very short space of time my recovery really picked up. The benefits of travelling to a meeting was that I met a lot more people, heard different stories and identified with more people. But the biggest benefit for me personally was getting to know people from my base meeting better on the journey to the meeting and back. I always try and vary my second meeting in the week as I don’t want my recovery to become stale. I am now 10 months off a bet, and I am really enjoying GA. It is not a chore to come to my meetings and they are enjoyable to me. The most important thing to me is that my wife is so supportive and can see the positive effect that GA is having on my life, but also all our lives including my kids. GA has given me so much in a very short space of time. The most important thing is that I am not gambling, but the rooms are also teaching me how to identify and address character defects within myself and I am slowly putting work in to try to correct these. I have a much more peaceful and open mind at this moment and that is helping me to deal with life problems and my work in a much more calm and mature way. GA is such a support network and it does not turn its back on anyone. I am so proud of the fact that I am a GA member and more specifically a Blackburn member as it is a strong group with some inspirational members with a wide variety of time off a bet in GA. The time that I lost with my boys and my wife whilst I was gambling is unbelievable and I now have that back in my life and can spend time playing football with them or just talking without the gambling thoughts flying about my head.

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 34

Conference Call Meeting Sunday 7pm – 8pm

For compulsive gamblers who cannot attend a regular meeting due to

working or living abroad, or living in outlying areas and/or experience

transport issues

The meeting is not for members who don’t fancy the idea of going to a

meeting and would prefer to dial in.

If you know anyone who would benefit from the meeting, or if you would

like to offer a guest therapy, please contact Mark Blackburn Monday on

secretary@gascotland.org

We have plans in place to tackle the debt, but this isn’t going to be overnight because I do not live my life now trying to put quick fixes in place; I want to do things right and it will take as long as we have planned it to take. I will finish by saying that this time feels completely different from other times when I have stopped betting. I feel that GA is a big part of my life and I am no longer overawed by the lifetime program statement; I now believe this and have members who are living proof of this. If I ever do slip, I have the correct people in the rooms who will give me the advice I need to sort my life out or deal with any problems I may have. There will always be someone in the rooms that has dealt with any of the situations I may find myself in and I am so fortunate to have the support of this great fellowship. My name’s Brian, I am a Compulsive Gambler with no gambling to report.

Brian H – Blackburn Monday – Recovery

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 35

Next Issue: April 2019

Contributions to the Scottish Life are welcomed at any time

of the year.

Not a writer? Why not submit pictures, photos, or even

artwork!

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 36

Day Group Address Time Comments Secretary Email

Mon Glasgow

(Parkhead)

Parkhead Congregational Church, 77 Westmuir Street,

Glasgow, Glasgow City G31 5EW 10:00 - 12:00

Enter Ravel Row

Side

*parkhead_mon@gascotla

nd.org

Elgin Moray College, Moray Street, Elgin, Moray IV30 1JJ Side

Entrance Beside Room, Separate from Main Entrance 18:30 - 20:30 elgin_mon@gascotland.org

Dunfermline Touch Community Centre, 30 Mercer Pl, KY11 4UG 19:10 - 21:15 Beginners 18:30 dunfermline_mon@gascotl

and.org

Edinburgh

(City Centre)

Methodist Church The Square Centre, 25 Nicolson Square,

EH8 9BX 19:15 - 21:15

edinburgh_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Greenock The Salvation Army Hall, 57 Regent St, Greenock PA15 4NP 19:15 - 21:15 greenock_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Airdrie Beechbank Community Centre, Wester Mavisbank Ave,

Airdrie, ML6 0HE 19:30 - 21:30

airdrie_mon@gascotland.o

rg

Ardrossan Civic Centre, Cumbrae Room 150 Glasgow st, , KA22 8EU 19:30 - 21:30 ardrossan_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Blackburn Blackburn and Seafield Church, 41 East Main St, EH47 7QR 19:30 - 21:30 blackburn_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Carlisle Church of Scotland, Chapel St. CA1 1JA 19:30 - 21:30 carlisle_mon@gascotland.

org

Clydebank Radnor Parish Church, Radnor Park Spencer Street, G813AS 19:30 - 21:30 (off Killbowie

Rd)

clydebank_mon@gascotla

nd.org

Cumbernauld Greenfaulds Meeting Rooms, Lochinvar Rd, G67 4AR 19:30 - 21:30 *cumbernauld_mon@gasc

otland.org

Dundee St Andrews Parish Church, 2 King St., Dundee, DD1 2JB 19:30 - 21:30 Gam-Anon 19:30 dundee_mon@gascotland.

org

Glasgow

(Anderston) Anderston Kelvingrove Parish Church 759 Argyle St, G3 8DS 19:30 - 21:30

Gam-Anon 19:30

(Big Monday)

anderston_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow

(Gorbals) Blessed John Duns Scotus R C Church, 270 Ballater St G5 0YT 19:30 - 21:30 (Wee Monday)

gorbals_mon@gascotland.

org

Hurlford The Thistle Pub, 2-4 Riccarton Road, Hurlford, , KA1 5AQ 19:30 - 21:30 Rear of Thistle

Pub

*hurlford_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow United Free Church, Croftfoot Avenue, Croftfoot, G44 5HH 19:45 - 21:30

Enter off

Carmunnock

Road

*glasgow_mon@gascotlan

d.org

Tue Glasgow Community Central Hall 292-316 Maryhill Road, G20 7YE 14:00 - 16:00 *glasgow_tue@gascotland.

org s

Edinburgh

(Oxgangs)

Colinton Mains Parish Church, 223 Oxgangs Road North,

Edinburgh, EH13 9ED 19:00 - 21:00

*edinburgh_tues@gascotla

nd.org

Hamilton Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre, 9 Hunter Road, Whitehill,

Hamilton, ML3 0LH 19:30 - 21:15

Beginners 1st

Half

hamilton_tue@gascotland.

org

Glasgow St Columbkille's Hall 2 Kirkwood Street Rutherglen , G73 2SL 19:30 - 22:00 Room 5 rutherglen_tue@gascotland

.org

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 37

Glasgow

(Dennistoun)

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Craigpark, G31 2JF

Off Alexandra Parade

19:30 - 21:50

Beginners

18:30 - 19:15

dennistoun_tue@gascotlan

d.org

Aberdeen Ruthrieston Community Centre, 532 - 536 Holburn Street

Aberdeen AB10 1LL 19:30 - 21:30

aberdeen_tue@gascotland.

org

Coatbridge St Andrews School, Sports Community Centre, ML5 5EA 19:30 - 21:30 *coatbridge_tues@gascotla

nd.org

Dumbarton Benview Centre, Strathleven Place, Dumbarton,

Dunbartonshire G82 1BA 19:30 - 21:30

dumbarton_tue@gascotlan

d.org

Falkirk

Falkirk Trinity Church, Manse Place, Falkirk FK1 1JN

Please park in street (not church) 19:30 - 21:30 Steps Meeting

falkirk_tue@gascotland.or

g

Glasgow

(Partick)

Partick Burgh Hall, Burgh Hall Street, Glasgow, G11 5LW

Next to Peel Street 19:30 - 21:30

. Beginners

19:30

*partick_tue@gascotland.o

rg s

Paisley Ralston Community Centre, Allanton Ave, Paisley,

Renfrewshire PA1 3BL 19:30 - 21:30

Beginners

Meeting 19:30

*paisley_tue@gascotland.o

rg s

Perth Perth Methodist Church, Scott St. Perth PH2 8JN 19:30 - 21:30 Gam-Anon 19:30 perth_tue@gascotland.org

Wed Edinburgh

(West)

Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre, 30 Harvesters Way,

Edinburgh EH14 3JF 12:30 -14:00

edinburgh_wed@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow Partick Burgh Hall 9 Burgh Hall Street, Lanarkshire G11 5LW 13:00 - 15:00 *partick_wed@gascotland.

org

Glasgow Parkhead Congregational Church 77 Westmuir St G31 5EW 17:00 - 19:00 Enter Ravel Row parkhead_wed@gascotland

.org

Inverness Trinity Church, 5 Huntly Place, Inverness, IV3 8HA 18:30 - 20:30 inverness_wed@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow Molendinar Community Centre, 1210 Royston Rd, G33 1HE 19:00 - 21:00 (Blackhill) blackhill_wed@gascotland

.org

West Linton

(Castle Craig)

Castle Craig Hospital Blyth Bridge West Linton, Scottish

Borders EH46 7DH 19:00 - 20:30

castlecraig@gascotland.or

g

Glasgow

(Govanhill) Neighbourhood Centre 6 Daisy St Glasgow, G42 8JL 19:15 - 21:15

Beginners 18:30.

Gam-Anon 19:15

govanhill_wed@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow Partick Burgh Hall 9 Burgh Hall Street, Lanarkshire G11 5LW 13:00 - 15:00 partick_wed@gascotland.o

rg

Coatbridge St. Bartholomew's Chapel Hall, 5 Teviot St, ML5 2NS 19:30 - 21:30 coatbridge_wed@gascotla

nd.org

Kilmarnock Kay Park Parish Church & Halls, 2 London Rd, KA3 7AA, 19:30 - 21:30 kilmarnock_wed@gascotla

nd.org

Kirkcaldy St Bryce Kirk, Saint Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 19:30 - 21:30 kirkcaldy_wed@gascotlan

d.org

Peterhead The Rescue Hall, 25 Prince St, Aberdeenshire AB42 1QE 19:30 - 21:30 peterhead_wed@gascotlan

d.org

NEW Forfar St Fergus Church 94 Glenogil Terrace Forfar DD8 1NG 19:15 - 21:15 NEW Forfar

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 38

Thu Glasgow Parkhead Congregational Church, 77 Westmuir St, G31 5EW 14:00 - 16:00 Entrance Ravel

Row side

parkhead_thu@gascotland.

org

Cumbernauld Abronhill Community Centre, 2 Larch Rd, G67 3AZ 19:00 - 21:00 cumbernauld_thu@gascotl

and.org

Glasgow

(Shawlands)

Pollockshaws Methodist church 74 Shawholm Crescent

Pollockshaws Glasgow. G43 1 LH. 19:15 - 21:30 NEW VENUE

shawlands_thu@gascotlan

d.org

Dundee St Peter Pauls Church Hall, Milton Street, Dundee, DD3 6QN 19:30 - 22:00 Gam Anon 19:30 dundee_thu@gascotland.or

g

Erskine Erskine Bridge Hotel, Erskine, Renfrewshire PA8 6AN 19:30 - 21:50 Floor 5, Room 1 erskine_thu@gascotland.or

g

Ayr The Ally McLeod Hospitality Suite, Somerset Park, Tryfield

Place, Ayr, KA8 9NB 19:30 - 21:30

Entrance via

Summerset

Road

ayr_thu@gascotland.org

East Kilbride East Mains Baptist Church, Maxwell Drive, G74 4HG 19:30 - 21:30 Beginners 19:30 eastkilbride_thu@gascotla

nd.org

Edinburgh

(City Centre)

City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Sq. EH8

9BX 19:30 - 21:30

Gam-Anon

Meeting 19:30

edinburgh_thu@gascotland

.org

Falkirk Salvation Army Community Church, Main Street,

Stenhousemuir, FK5 3JP 19:30 - 21:30

falkirk_thu@gascotland.or

g

Glasgow

(Maryhill) Community Central Hall 292-316 Maryhill Road G20 7YE 19:30 - 21:30 Gam-Anon 19:30

*maryhill_fri@gascotland.

org

Glasgow

(Rutherglen) St Columbkilles Church Hall, Kirkwood Street, G73 2SL 19:30 - 21:30

(Off Main

Street) Room 5

*rutherglen_thurs@gascotl

and.org

Hamilton Eddlewood Public Hall, Strathaven Rd, Hamilton ML3 8BG 19:30 - 21:30 hamilton_thu@gascotland.

org

Kelso Kelso North & Ednam Parish Church, 42 Bowmont St TD5

7JH (Blue doors on Bowmont Street facing the car park) 19:30 - 21:30 kelso_thu@gascotland.org

Livingstone St Andrew's Church, 126 Victoria St Craigshill EH54 5BJ 19:30 - 21:30 *livingstone_thur@gascotl

and.org s

Kilmaurs The Cabin, Townhead, Kilmaurs, KA3 2TY 20:00 - 22:00 Next to

Wheatsheaf

kilmaurs_thu@gascotland.

org

Kirkintilloch 29 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire G66 1NG, 20:00 - 22:00 AR Centre *kirkintilloch_thurs@gasc

otland.org

Fri Glasgow

(Parkhead)

Parkhead Congregational Church 77 Westmuir St G31 5EW

Enter Ravel Row Side

10:00 - 12:00

Beginners

09:00 - 10:00

*parkhead_fr@gascotland.

org

Dundee Saint Andrew's Parish Church, 2 King Street, DD1 2JB 18:30 - 20:00 Joint Steps

Meeting

dundee_fri@gascotland.or

g

Dumfries Dumfries Activity and Resource Centre, 70 Burns StDG1 2PS 19:00 - 21:00 *dumfries_fri@gascotland.

org

Edinburgh

(Gorgie) GDS Church, Edgar Hall, Chesser Ave, Edinburgh EH14 1TB 19:00 - 20:30

Opposite Kwik

Fit & RBS

*edinburgh_fri@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow Anderston Kelvingrove Parish Church 759 Argyle St, G3 8DS 19:30 - 21:30 Beginners

Meeting 19:30

anderston_fri@gascotland.

org

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 39

Glasgow (City

Centre) Renfield St Stephens Centre, 260 Bath Street, G2 4JP 19:30 - 21:30

Gam-Anon 19:30

Beginners 18:45

-19:25

*glasgow_fri@gascotland.

org

Motherwell St Brendans Church, Barons Rd, Lanarkshire ML1 2NB 19:30 - 21:30 motherwell_fri@gascotlan

d.org

Sat Glasgow Dennistoun New Parish Church, 9 Armadale St, G31 2UU 09:00 - 11:00

*dennistoun_sat@gascotla

nd.org

Aberdeen Ruthrieston Community Centre, 532-536 Holburn St AB10

7LL 09:45 - 11:45

*aberdeen_sat@gascotland

.org

Edinburgh

(Oxgangs) Colinton Mains Parish Church 223 Oxgangs Road EH13 9ED 10:00 - 12:00

Beginners

Meeting

(Separate

Room)

edinburgh_sat@gascotland

.org

Glasgow

(Rutherglen) Reuther Hall, Victoria St, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1DS 10:00 - 12:00

Gam-Anon

10:00

Beginners 9-

10am

rutherglen_sat@gascotland

.org

Hamilton Ferniegair Hall 150 Carlisle Road, Lanarkshire ML3 7TX 10:00 - 12:00 hamilton_sat@gascotland.

org

Kirkcaldy Pathhead Parish Church, Harriet St, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 2AG 10:00 - 12:00 kirkcaldy_sat@gascotland.

org

Viewpark Burnhead Community Centre, Uddingston, Burnhead Street,

Viewpark, North Lanarkshire, G71 5AT 10:00 - 12:00

viewpark_sat@gascotland.

org

Sun Glasgow Partick Burgh Hall, 9 Burgh Hall Street, Lanarkshire G11 5LW 11:45 - 13:45 partick_sun@gascotland.or

g

Inverness St Mary's Hall, St Mary's Ave, Inverness IV3 5AD 13:00 - 15:00 inverness_wed@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow

(Maryhill) Community Central Hall 292-316 Maryhill Rd G20 7YE 18:00 - 20:00 Steps Meeting

*maryhill_sun@gascotland

.org

Edinburgh

(Leith)

St Andrews Church, Easter Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 8HT

Door Opposite Tesco Car Park - 18:30 - 20:30

Joint Steps

Meeting

edinburgh_sun@gascotlan

d.org

Glasgow

(Rutherglen) St Columbkille's Hall, 2 Kirkwood Street, G73 2SL 19:00 - 21:00 Steps Meeting

*rutherglen_sun@gascotla

nd.org

* Group Secretary has not yet set up email address for their group - Please ask Secretary to contact

webmaster@gascotland.org as group will stop receiving emails. Please contact webmaster@gascotland.org if any

information is incorrect.

This information is used to update website etc. and needs to be accurate.

February 2019 Volume 16 Issue 1

P a g e | 40

Many Thanks to You for using YOUR TIME to read and contribute to the Scottish

Life

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

24 HOUR HELPLINE

0370 050 8881

Gam-Anon-contact@gamanonscotland.org

Contact the office Tel. 0141 647 4673

(10am-5pm)

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YOU HAVE NOT LIVED

TODAY UNTIL YOU

HAVE DONE……

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