A member of the fellowship with over 34 years of abstinence from gambling knows I have this site and thought he would give me something interesting to write about someday. He was right! What did he give me? A Gamblers Anonymous combo book from many years ago. The book doesn't have a date published, but my guess is that it was sometime in the early 1960's. I have had it sitting around for a while waiting for a good time to talk about it, and I chose today.
There is a reason behind today being the day. Today is the first day of the twice yearly GA Board of Trustees meeting being held at the national convention in Connecticut. Although every GA meeting is self-governing, we do elect trusted servants to represent us at the national level regarding anything that impacts GA as an organization. What really does impact the organization is not always clear. Typically the main purpose of this body is to approve any new literature that will carry the GA logo, and to make changes to existing literature. Any member may suggest a change, but the Board votes as a body to approve any change. I have spoken about our local Intergroup meeting in the past. Well, magnify this times 10 and that's what it can be like!
So, back to the book. Amazingly it isn't really all that different from today's version. Today's version reflects changes bowing to the political correctness of today's society. For example the answer to the question "What is the first thing a compulsive Gambler ought to do in order to stop gambling?" Answer: "HE" needs to be willing to accept.... . Today's version says "the compulsive gambler" in place of HE. The word "personality" in the old version in several places now reads "character". Things like these are changed throughout.
There have been some more significant changes over the years though. On Page 10 the book describes what we now call "common characteristics of compulsive gamblers". The old book puts it more clearly; "what are factors that may cause a person to become a compulsive gambler?". In the answer on that same page it refers only to the comfort level felt when "at the poker table" whereas today's version uses the phrase "when we were gambling". A really interesting change I will have to research and learn about is the fact that the original "twenty questions" (See my answers under "My Gambling Story" to the right) asks the questions in PRESENT TENSE , i.e. "Do" you lose time from work or school due to gambling. Today's version asks all the questions but one in the past tense, i.e. "Did" you....
Finally, on page 17, the page many have relied upon so much to abstain from gambling, there are only 6 suggestions as opposed to the current 7, and there have been several changes. Here is the reading on page 17 from the old book with notations of the changes in today's:
Old Header - "To All GA members, particularly the new G.A. members, here are some additional suggestions:
New Header - TO ALL GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEMBERS, PARTICULARLY THE NEW GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEMBERS:
Old #1 - Attend as many meetings as possible. (You, yourself, can be the only judge of how sincerely you attend.)
Today's #1 - Attend as many meetings as possible, but at least one full meeting per week. Meetings Make It!
Old #2 - Telephone other members as often as possible between meetings. Use the telephone list!
New #2 - No change.
Old #3 - Don't test or tempt yourself. Don't associate with acquaintances who gamble. Don't go in or near gambling establishments. Don't gamble for anything -- this means buying a raffle ticket, flipping a coin, or entering the office sports pool. If you don't make the first "tiny" bet, you can't make any big ones.
New #3 - Don’t test or tempt yourself. Don’t associate with acquaintances who gamble. Don’t go in or near gambling establishments. DON’T GAMBLE FOR ANYTHING. This includes the stock market, commodities, options, buying or playing lottery tickets, raffle tickets, flipping a coin or entering the office sports pool.
New #4 ( There is not an old equivalent) - Live the Gamblers Anonymous Program ONE DAY AT A TIME. Don’t try to solve all your problems at once.
Old #4 (Now moved to #5) - Read the Recovery Program often. Try to follow it! These 12 steps are the basis for the entire GA program.
New # 5 (which has been changed to #5) - Read the RECOVERY and UNITY steps often and continuously review the Twenty Questions. Follow the steps in your daily affairs. These steps are the basis for the entire Gamblers Anonymous Program and practicing them is the key to your growth. If you have any questions, ask them of your Trusted Servants and Sponsors.
Old #5 (Now #6) - When you are ready ask the Trusted Servants for a Pressure Group meeting, for you and your wife.
New #6 - A pressure Relief Group meeting may help alleviate legal, employment ,financial or personal pressures. Adherence to it will aid in your recovery. (Even this version is a recent change from what was there..)
Old #6 (Now #7) - Be patient! The days and weeks will pass soon enough and as you continue to abstain from gambling, your recovery will really accelerate.
New #7 - Be patient! The days and weeks will pass soon enough, and as you continue to attend meetings and abstain from gambling, your recovery will really accelerate.
As you can see, some of the changes minor, some pretty drastic. Overall I don't have a big heartache with change. We need to reflect our current membership if we are to continue to grow and carry the message to those still suffering.
But, sometimes I wonder what was wrong with what worked? I wish the trustees well in their endeavors this week.
John
No comments:
Post a Comment