GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS GROUPS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC – RESEARCH REPORT

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, both in Poland and worldwide, has a huge impact on social, demographic and economic processes. The situation we are currently facing is particularly difficult because it is highly unpredictable. Isolation, breaking social relations, fear of infection and any other violation of everyday functioning may pose a serious threat to people maintaining abstinence. Virtual communication proved to be the only alternative to live face-to-face communication during the pandemic. Across the country, meetings of therapy groups have been suspended until further notice. This has led to an unprecedented situation where, out of necessity, GA had to move online. This begs the question of whether this form of contact can replace the traditional face-to-face meetings?

Keywords

• gamblers anonymous
• gambling addiction
• pandemic
• sars-cov-2 (covid-19)
• internet self-help groups
• behavioural addictions