' Compulsive gambling ' is now recognised as an addictive state. The compulsive gambler lies, cheats and steals to get money to gamble, but cannot stop gambling until all the money is lost. In 1964 a Methodist minister introduced Gamblers Anonymous to Britain. It has proved itself to be a lifeline for the compulsive gambler - but first the gambler must reach ' rock bottom', the recognition that his addiction is beyond his control. Only then can his fellow-addicts, and GA's ' spiritual recovery programme', help him rebuild his life. Everyman reports from within the confessional meetings of Gamblers Anonymous.