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The Tools of Debtors Anonymous
Recovery from compulsive debting begins
when we stop incurring new,
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 house or other
asset.) We attain a daily reprieve from compulsive debting by
practicing the Twelve Steps and by using the following tools.
Meetings
We attend meetings at which we share our experience, strength and hope
with one another. Unless we give to newcomers what we have received
from D.A., we cannot keep it ourselves.
Record Maintenance
We maintain records of our daily income and expenses, of our savings,
and of the retirement of any portions of our outstanding debts.
Sponsorship
We have found it essential to our recovery to have a sponsor and to be
a sponsor. A sponsor is a recovering debtor who guides us through the
Twelve Steps and shares his or her own experience, strength, and
recovery.
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
recovering debtors who have not incurred unsecured debt for at least 90
days and who usually have more experience in the program. The group
meets in a series of Pressure Relief Meetings to review our financial
situation. These meetings typically result in the formulation of a
spending plan and an action plan.
Spending Plan
The spending plan puts our needs first and gives us clarity and balance
in our spending. It includes categories for income, spending, debt
payment and savings (to help us build cash reserves, however humble).
The income plan helps us focus on increasing our income. The debt
payment category guides us in making realistic payment arrangements
without depriving ourselves. Savings can include prudent reserve,
retirement and special purchases.
Action Plan
With the help of our Pressure Relief Group, we develop a list of
specific actions for resolving our debts, improving our financial
situation, and achieving our goals without incurring unsecured
debt.
The Telephone and the Internet
We maintain frequent contact with other D.A. members by using the
telephone, e-mail, and other forms of communication. We make a point of
talking to other D.A. members before and after taking difficult steps
in our recovery.
D.A. and A.A. Literature
We study the literature of Debtors Anonymous and of Alcoholics
Anonymous to strengthen our understanding of compulsive disease and of
recovery from compulsive debting. In A.A. literature we can identify
with many of the situations described by substituting the words
"compulsive debt" for "alcohol."
Awareness
We maintain awareness of the danger of compulsive debt by taking note
of bank, loan company and credit card advertising and their effects on
us. We also remain aware of our personal finances in order to avoid
vagueness, which can lead to compulsive debting or spending.
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.
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 so generously has been given to us.
Anonymity
We practice anonymity, which allows us freedom of expression by
assuring us that what we say at meetings or to other DA members at any
time will not be repeated.
© 2005 Debtors Anonymous General Service Board, Inc.
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"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot
change,
The courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference." |
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"Before DA, I was isolated and thought that was how life had
to be. Now,
due to the DA Tools, I have a large support system."
-Anonymous |
