Pressure Relief Group Meeting Information Gamblers Anonymous offers some tools to deal with the financial recovery of their members. It is called a Pressure Relief Group session. Gamblers Anonymous does not recommend financial bailouts. Gamblers Anonymous does not lend money or arrange for loans but rather shows members how to take the responsibility to pay all debts and meet all obligations. A pressure relief group session is a budgeting session that is held with a few Gamblers Anonymous members who have achieved recovery in this area in an effort to alleviate the financial pressures that tend to cloud recovery for many members. Listing and prioritizing the existing debts and assets of the member in a way that makes sense accomplish pressure relief. It makes for a more orderly approach possible while at the same time providing experience, strength and hope to the member. Prior to the meeting, the new member is given literature that explains the purpose and aims of the Pressure Group Meeting and which gives instructions on how to prepare for it. For example, the member is asked to compile a list of all debts, outstanding bills, personal living expenses, income and assets. Honesty and unsparing accuracy are crucial to the preparation of this list of assets and liabilities. Omissions of any kind are disastrous because they can eventually become an excuse to return to gambling. Moreover, calculations must be exact to ensure success. Without complete honesty and accuracy, the Pressure Group Meeting is useless. The problems discussed at a Pressure Group Meeting fall into four basic categories: LEGAL, FINANCIAL, CAREER and PERSONAL. Over the years, the Fellowship has developed an approach to dealing with each of these categories. Nevertheless, the problems of a new member may require flexible and creative solutions. Legal problems typically concern the passing of bad checks, fraudulent loan applications, forgery and embezzlement. In some cases the member may be advised to obtain legal counsel. Financially, the member faces two major responsibilities: to meet living expenses and to pay creditors. Taken together, these obligations may seem overwhelming. In order to make this manageable, Gamblers Anonymous suggests that members first provide for their families and then pay all debts. Compulsive gamblers often have problems at work, which have been caused indirectly by their gambling; these may include malingering, absenteeism, borrowing from co-workers, theft or embezzlement. During the meeting, these problems are identified and solutions are formulated. The member is motivated by the enthusiasm, support and guidance from those on the Pressure Group Committee to behave responsibly at work. Part of the Pressure Group Meeting is devoted to addressing the personal problems that most trouble the member, spouse or family. These include problems of personal habits, health and hygiene as well as marital difficulties. The goal of the Pressure Group Meeting is to foster peace of mind and hope, in both the individual and family. By demonstrating that seemingly insurmountable problems can be solved, the committee helps the compulsive gambler establish a purpose and direction for a new life. For the first time the compulsive gambler is learning to live with order and stability. Where life was once out of control, it now has a sense of structure and purpose. The committee -- to see how well the member has adhered to the plan and to adjust it to the changing circumstances in the member's life -- conducts a review of the plan formulated in the Pressure Group Meeting. There are forms available, and arrangements can be made at most Gamblers Anonymous meetings and through the Intergroup Representative in each group. The forms can also be ordered directly from the Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office. To learn more about Pressure Relief Groups, ask members of your local group or contact the local Intergroup. There are experienced members who can help and are more than willing to see you succeed.