06/29/2024
This in-person support group is on hold. In the meantime for daily support go online (with an accountability partner) to the FREE gaming addicts anonymous
(GAA) support group formerly known as (CGAA) computer gaming addiction anonymous OR ITAA ( INTERNET TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION ANONYMOUS). Go to the "find a meeting" link. When you see the spreadsheet, click on any of the cells that you want to attend . It will be based on time. Many meetings are held through each day - online. Don't forget to put your time zone into the drop-down menu first. For Calgary we are on mountain standard time. Make sure you have Zoom downloaded in advance. Then 5 minutes before the meeting starts click on that particular cell within that spreadsheet and you should be automatically connected. You can use an avatar or just an invisible black screen if you don't want to be seen and you do not have to talk. Each meeting is fantastic and is "primarily" males who have either worked through this behavioral addiction or are working through it. At the end of the meeting they offer free sponsorship which can be acquired just for the asking. If you need to make long-distance phone calls to talk to your sponsor you can use the WhatsApp app which makes phoning anywhere globally absolutely free. If you see the word "closed" written in the spreadsheet next to any of the meetings then THAT means it is closed to family members or loved ones of those struggling with this process addiction. If you are a family member or a loved one of someone who has this addiction please note that you are not allowed to speak during the online meetings but must wait until the end of the meeting when they open up the floor for you to ask any pertinent questions. These meetings are fantastic and I would recommend attending at least once a day....perhaps more than one a day. Both GAA and ITAA often offer late evening meetings too for those who struggle with this addiction during the late hours of the night. These two websites are free and the meetings are usually facilitated by and attended by young adults (and primarily by males) who are struggling with or have worked through or are in the process of working through this addiction. There are also support meetings offered for females who are struggling with this addiction or know of someone in their life who is struggling. I would highly recommend attending as many meetings as possible even if you don't think it's working....please continue to attend. If you are concerned about using the computer and offsetting a gaming binge, please bring this concern up at the meeting. If you are shy, you can be anonymous and you can use an avatar versus your own face if that makes you more comfortable. These meetings are free and for the support of those who are struggling and need others around them who can understand what they are going through. If this is you congratulations for taking the first step. You have just taken the biggest step by reaching out for help. Check out one of these meetings it doesn't cost anything and it's not going to hurt. if anything it's going to put you in a place where you finally feel heard and understood. Congratulations ❗(side note: if you struggle socially and are finding that online gaming met that social need but has resulted in an addiction.... I would also strongly encourage you to check out a website called "AE" which stands for Asperger Experts.)
