Welcome to Debtors Anonymous
(a 12-Step program of recovery)

Preamble of Debtors Anonymous [Copyright © A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Adapted and reprinted with permission.]

"Debtors Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that the may solve their common problem and help others to recover from compulsive debting. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop incurring unsecured debt. There are no dues or fees for D.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. D.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay solvent and help other compulsive debtors to achieve solvency."

Tools of Recovery

[Home] [A Note to Newcomers] [Publications List] [Frequently Asked Questions]

The 12 Signposts on the road to becoming a compulsive debtor

1. Being unclear about your financial situation: not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations.
2. Frequently "borrowing" items such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends or others, and failing to return them.
3. Poor savings habits: not planning for taxes, retirement or other non-recurring but predictable items, and then feeling surprised when they come due; a "live for today, don't worry about tomorrow" attitude.
4. Compulsive shopping: being unable to pass up a "good deal"; making impulsive purchases; leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned; not using items you've purchased.
5. Difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations, and/or an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met.
6. A different feeling when buying things on credit than when paying cash, a feeling of being in the club, of being accepted, of being grown-up.
7. Living in chaos and drama around money: using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks; always having a financial crisis to contend with.
8. A tendency to live on the edge: living paycheck to paycheck; taking risks with health and car insurance coverage; writing checks hoping money will appear to cover them.
9. Unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment in what should be a normal discussion of money.
10. Overworking or underearning: working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; using time inefficiently; taking jobs below your skill and education level.
11. An unwillingness to care for and value yourself: living in self-imposed deprivation; denying your own basic needs in order to pay your creditors.
12. A feeling or hope that someone will take care of you if necessary so that you won't really get into serious financial trouble, that there will always be someone you can turn to.

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The 12 Tools of Debtors Anonymous

1. Abstinence
   We practice abstinence by not incurring compulsive unsecured debt one day at a time. Unsecured debt is any debt that is not backed up by some form of collateral, such as a car, house, etc.
2. Meetings
   We attend meetings at which we can share our experience, strength and hope with one another. Unless we give to others what we have received from D.A. we cannot keep it ourselves.
3. Record Maintenance
   We maintain records of our daily expenses and of the retirement of any portions of our outstanding debts.
4. Anonymity
   We practice anonymity, which allows us the freedom of expression by assuring us that what we say at meetings or to other D.A. members at any time will not be repeated.
5. The Telephone
   We maintain constant contact with other D.A. members by exchanging telephone numbers. We make a point of talking to other D.A. members before and after taking difficult steps in our recovery.
6. Pressure Relief Groups and Pressure Relief Meetings
   After we have gained some familiarity with the D.A. program, we organize Pressure Relief Groups consisting of ourselves and two other persons from the group who have been abstinent for three months, and who usually have more experience in the program. The group meets in a series of Pressure Meetings to review our financial situation.
7. Spending Plan
   The Pressure Meeting usually results in the formulation of a spending plan which puts our needs first, and an action plan, for resolving our debts and taking the first steps toward solvency.
8. Sponsors
   Many of us find it extremely helpful to select a sponsor. A sponsor is an abstinent member of D.A. who is usually more experienced in working the Twelve Steps. The sponsor aids us in implementing our action plan and in working the Steps.
9. Attend Business Meetings
   We attend business meetings that are held monthly. Many of us have long harbored feelings that "business" was not a part of our lives, but for "others" more qualified. Yet participation in running our own program teaches us how our organization operates, and also helps us to become responsible for our own recovery.
10. A.A. Literature
    We study the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous to strengthen our understanding of compulsive disease. We can identify with many of the situations described therein by substituting the words "compulsive debt" for "alcohol".
11. Awareness
    We maintain awareness of the danger of compulsive debt by taking note of bank loan and credit-card advertising, and by reading news accounts of it's effects.
12. Service
    We perform service at every level: personal, meeting, Intergroup and World Service. Service is vital to our recovery. Only through service can we give to others what has been so generously given to us.

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The 12 Steps of Debtors Anonymous [Copyright © A.A. World Services, Inc. Adapted and reprinted with permission]

1. We admitted we were powerless over debt—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive debtors, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

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The 12 Traditions of Debtors Anonymous [Copyright © A.A. World Services, Inc. Adapted and reprinted with permission]

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon D.A. unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority-a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for D.A. membership is a desire to stop Debting.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or D.A. as a whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose-to carry its message to the debtor who still suffers.
6. A D.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the D.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every D.A. group ought to be fully self -supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Debtors Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. D.A. as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Debtors Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the D.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities

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The Promises [From pages 83-84, Alcoholics Anonymous "The Big Book", Reprinted with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.]

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past or wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not! They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.

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The 12 Promises of Debtors Anonymous [Approved August 19, 2001, 15th Annual World Service Conference]

In the program of Debtors Anonymous, we come together to share our experience, strength and hope so that we may recover from the disease of compulsive debting. When we work D.A.'s Twelve Steps and use the D.A. Tools, we begin to receive these gifts of the program:

1. Where once we felt despair, we will experience a newfound hope.
2. Clarity will replace vagueness; we will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
3. We will live within our means, yet our means will not define us.
4. We will begin to live a prosperous life, unencumbered by fear, worry, resentment, or debt.
5. We will realize that we are enough; we will value ourselves and our contributions.
6. Isolation will give way to fellowship; faith will displace fear.
7. We will recognize that there is enough; our resources will be generous and we will share them with others and with D.A.
8. We will cease to compare ourselves to others; jealousy and envy will fade.
9. Acceptance and gratitude will replace regret, self-pity and longing.
10. We will no longer fear the truth; we will move from hiding in denial to living in reality.
11. Honesty will guide our actions toward a rich life filled with meaning and purpose.
12. We will recognize a Power Greater than ourselves as the source of our abundance; we realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

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A Note to Newcomers

Welcome! Here you can find a new way of living that offers recovery from compulsive debting and hope for a healthier, happier, more prosperous life. We suggest that you keep an open mind and attend at least six meetings as soon as possible. If you don't like one meeting attend another. The important thing is to keep coming back.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• First and foremost, stop incurring any new unsecured debt one day at a time. Unsecured debt is any debt not backed up by some form of collateral. This may be difficult and painful, but by refraining from compulsive debting you will put your recovery on a solid foundation.
• Attend D.A. meetings regularly—doing so will give you a sense of hope, an opportunity to identify with others, and to meet other people who can help you. [Meeting directory]
• Record your expenses and your income, to gain clarity about how you use money. Obtain a small notebook that you can carry easily. Throughout each day write down what you spend and any income you receive, no matter how small the amount. Do not be discouraged if you cannot keep perfect records. If you lose track, begin again as soon as you can. We believe in progress, not perfection.
• Purchase and read D.A. literature. You will find helpful suggestions and new insights. Purchase and read the "Big Book" and "The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions" of Alcoholics Anonymous. When you read it, substitute the words "debt" and "debting" for "alcohol" and "drinking". [Publications list]
• Remember that you did not arrive at your current circumstances overnight; solving your problems will take some time and effort. Our program states, "while using the Tools of D.A. will provide some relief from compulsive debting, working the 12 Steps will provide recovery".
• Begin working the 12 Steps in the order they are given, preferably with a sponsor or an experienced D.A. member who has worked and continues to work the Steps to the best of his or her ability. True, long-lasting recovery results from a spiritual experience that is gained by working the 12 Steps.
• Begin with Step One. The sense of despair of "hitting bottom" we feel when we first come to D.A. is the 1st Step in our recovery. We see that our own attempts to scheme and manipulate our debts don't work. We admit that we are powerless over debt. We are ready to ask for help.
• Ask someone to be your sponsor—someone who lives the recovery you want. A sponsor can help you work the 12 Steps, use the tools of D.A., and carry our your action plans.
• After you have: (a) recorded your income and expenses for 30 to 45 days, preferably; (b) attended at least six meetings, and (c) made a commitment to D.A.; you can ask two members (a man and a woman) to meet with you in a Pressure Relief Group meeting. They will help you review your situation and formulate goals and action plans. The D.A. members you ask to participate should have recovery issues similar to yours, avoided unsecured debt for a least 90 days, and have had two PRGs for themselves.
• Anonymity is very important. Who you see at meetings or in public and what you hear at meetings and telephone calls is to be kept confidential. This allows members the freedom to speak openly and honestly without fear that our words or deeds may be used to harm us. Please respect the anonymity of all D.A. members.

If you decide that D.A. is not for you, keep us in mind for the future. You are always welcome. Debtors Anonymous will be here when you need it.

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B.D.A. Beginner's Tool Kit

We have found the following suggestions helpful in recovery through Business Debtors Anonymous:

1. Create a personal spending plan via Debtors Anonymous
2. Work out a 12 month business plan: include all costs, projected revenue, and payroll—be sure to include you own salary.
3. Review the Business Plan with a Business Pressure Relief Group meeting.
4. Open and maintain a separate business checking account. Separate personal from business finances.
5. Create an action plan to ensure the business bookkeeping records are clean, orderly and accurate.
6. Be willing to be both in charge and responsible for all aspects of your business. Professional help—accountants, lawyers and consultants—are working for you and are not your business' higher power
7. Show up for your business and keep your focus on generating revenue. Your business collars and time spent should generate revenue.
8. Be very clear about your profit. Know your profit margins on each and every business transaction whether it involves a product or service. Write it down, use your calculator, run a tape, double check the numbers.
9. Detach from difficult personalities: clients, partners, employees, and your own DIS-ease. Remember in all your business transactions its principles before personalities.
10. If you have a problem with record keeping, billing or collections: BOOKEND. Bookending is a very valuable tool for you and the person you call. It's a form of service and commitment to recovery for all parties involved.
11. Be aware of the competition, but don't worry about it. There is enough for everybody. It is and abundant universe. Consider your competition as a valuable teacher. Don't compare your business insides with your competitor's outside.
12. If you feel either high or low when closing "deals" or financial commitments: BOOKEND. Try not to dramatize!
13. Pay bills promptly and get payments due to you promptly.
14. Put all your business agreements in writing. To save money and confusion, write your own letters of agreement before seeking legal advise.
15. Take care of yourself. Remember HALT: don't get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
16. Begin building cash reserves—no matter how humble.
17. Compare prices before contracting, giving an order, or signing a check. When it's time write a check, stop all other activities and THINK.
18. Don't debt "one day at a time" and keep coming back to D.A. and B.D.A.

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B.D.A. Recovery Issues

Our goal is to be willing and able to build a prosperous, debt-free and solvent business using the principles of the program in all our business and personal affairs. To accomplish this, we took the following actions:

1. We detached from the business with a renewed commitment to the business.
2. We surrendered to the idea that we are neither our business nor our debts.
3. We made a commitment to ourselves, to God and our pressure Relief Groups to repay all our creditors.
4. We maintained a prosperous cash flow to meet our business needs.
5. We took charge of all our business affairs and obligations.
6. We structured a supportive and reasonable overhead for the business, sufficient to meet our needs.
7. We monitored all our business expenses with clarity, being in charge of all our accountants, bookkeepers and other financial and legal advisors.
8. Over time, we built and maintained prudent cash reserves.
9. We took the salaries, benefits and vacation time due us on a regular basis, just as we expected our employees to do.
10. We took responsibility for maintenance of our business records.
11. We worked spiritually with other people—employees, vendors, clients, and competitors—remembering that it is principles before personalities.
12. We came to know that through business highs and business lows, we were going nowhere unless we were on our spiritual track.

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B.D.A. Debting Signals

As business owners, we knew we where heading for problems:

• when we paid invoices prematurely instead of according to agreed-upon terms.
• when payments were not made within agreed-upon terms.
• when we borrowed from personal funds for business expenses.
• when financial commitments were made on anticipated sales.
• when we held on to clients who were slow or bad payers.
• when a reasonable and comfortable profit margin was not factored into our pricing
• when we did not know the exact costs of our overhead and running expenses.
• when we cut our salaries in order to save the business money.
• when we operated without a comprehensive business plan.
• when we started missing B.D.A. meetings and lost contact with our business Pressure Relief Group.

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