Updated: 11.14.2004
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Only you can make that decision. Most people turn to D.A. when they become willing to admit that their debt has them licked. Also, in D.A. a compulsive debtor is described as a person whose debt has caused growing and continuing problems in any part of his or her life.
Many D.A. members went through humiliating and degrading experiences before they were ready to accept help. Others faced with a slow, subtle deterioration which finally brought them to the point of admitting defeat.
Most compulsive debtors will answer yes to at least eight of the following 15 questions:
- Are
your debts making your home life unhappy?
- Does
the pressure of your debts distract you from your daily work?
- Are
your debts affecting your reputation?
- Do
your debts cause you to think less of yourself?
- Have
you ever given false information in order to obtain credit?
- Have
you ever made unrealistic promises to your creditors?
- Does
the pressure of your debts make you careless of the welfare
of your family?
- Do
you ever fear that your employer, family or friends will learn
the extent of your total indebtedness?
- When
faced with a difficult financial situation, does the prospect
of borrowing give you an inordinate feeling of relief?
- Does
the pressure of your debts cause you to have difficulty in
sleeping?
- Has
the pressure of your debts ever caused you to consider getting
drunk?
- Have
you ever borrowed money without giving adequate consideration
to the rate of interest you are required to pay?
- Do
you usually expect a negative response when you are subject
to a credit investigation?
- Have
you ever developed a strict regimen for paying off your debts,
only to break it under pressure?
- Do you justify your debts by telling yourself that you are superior to the "other" people, and when you get your "break" you'll be out of debt overnight?
How did you score? If you answered yes to eight or more of these questions, the chances are that you have a problem with compulsive debt, or are well on your way to having one.
If this is the case, today can be a turning point in your life. We have all arrived at this crossroad. One road, a soft road, lures you on to further despair, illness, ruin, and in some cases, mental institutions, prison, or suicide. The other road, a more challenging road, leads to self-respect, solvency, healing, and personal fulfillment. We urge you to take the first difficult step onto the more solid road now.
We encourage you to join us at one of our local D.A. meetings in Dallas.
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