The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop video gaming, which is completely up to you. You don’t have to worry about calling yourself a member or a gaming addict. You are welcome to listen in during a GAA meeting and take all the time you need to decide what to do.

We are not required to call ourselves addicts. Some of us understandably shied away from this heavily loaded word. Most members of GAA have admitted to an obsession and compulsion to game, which grows worse over time, and an inability to limit our gaming, despite the negative consequences. The word in the English language that most closely describes our condition is “addiction.” The important thing is to get honest with ourselves about our situation and deal with it. The exact labels we use are not so important.

Our groups share their collective experience and the principles that helped them, but GAA has no experts, hierarchy, or required beliefs. We have etiquette and traditions, but no strict rules.

We welcome all who wish to recover from the destructive effects of obsessive compulsive gaming.

Our members generally do not advise each other. We share personal experience, strength and hope, and are free to try out or disregard the suggestions of the program and other members. Our members use a variety of tools, including a Twelve Step program of recovery.

Our program includes finding helpful sources of strength, guidance, and healthy principles, and each of us chooses our own path. Some members simply rely on the fellowship for support and guidance, along with principles like honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. Some also use their religious beliefs or other spiritual practices. Some seek the support of counselors and other professionals.