Debtors Anonymous (DA)

What Is Debtors Anonymous (DA)?

Debtors Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences, strength, and hope to solve their common problem with unsecured debt. While not a formal diagnosis, compulsive debting is understood as a type of behavioral addiction, similar to a shopping addiction.

Based on the 12-step model first used by Alcoholics Anonymous, DA focuses not just on money management, but on emotional and spiritual recovery from the patterns that drive compulsive debting.

Members come from all financial backgrounds—some are overwhelmed with credit card bills, others are stuck in cycles of borrowing, overspending, or financial avoidance. The program offers support for creating solvency, clarity, and a healthier relationship with money.

How Does Debtors Anonymous Work?

Debtors Anonymous helps people recover from compulsive debting through connection, structure, and the 12 Steps. Meetings are at the heart of the program, offering a supportive, nonjudgmental space to learn and grow.

Here’s how DA works:

• The 12 Steps: A spiritual path to healing, adapted to address money-related struggles.
• Fellowship and Meetings: Members meet regularly to share honestly and support each other.
• Anonymity: Personal details and financial specifics are kept confidential.
• Spiritual, Not Religious: Members are encouraged to connect with a Higher Power of their own understanding.
• Tools of DA: Members often use tools like pressure relief groups, spending plans, and service commitments as part of their recovery.

Importantly, DA is not a financial planning service. It focuses on the emotional and behavioral patterns behind debting to offer long-term recovery, not quick fixes.

The 12 Steps of Debtors Anonymous

The 12 Steps form the foundation of Debtors Anonymous, guiding members through a process of self-honesty, accountability, and spiritual growth. Alcoholics Anonymous initially developed these steps, and DA has adapted them to address compulsive debting and financial recovery.

Below are the 12 Steps of Debtors Anonymous:

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 other compulsive debtors and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Who Can Benefit from DA?

Debtors Anonymous is open to anyone who struggles with debt or unhealthy money behaviors. You don’t need to be in an extreme financial crisis to join. If debt—or the fear of it—is affecting your peace of mind, DA may help.

DA may be a good fit for people who:

• Constantly borrow or rely on credit cards to get by
• Avoid opening bills or checking account balances
• Feel shame, anxiety, or guilt about money
• Swing between strict budgeting and impulsive spending
• Struggle to keep commitments around money, work, or time
• Can’t explain where their money goes

Whether your debt is small or overwhelming, DA focuses on progress, not perfection.

How to Find a Debtors Anonymous Meeting

Finding the right support can make a big difference in your recovery journey. Debtors Anonymous provides flexible meeting options so you can connect in a way that fits your lifestyle and comfort level.

DA offers several ways to connect with support:

• In-person meetings in many cities
• Online meetings via Zoom or other platforms
• Phone meetings for accessible support anywhere

Find a Debtors Anonymous Meeting Near You

Meeting formats vary and may include general discussion, newcomer meetings, or step-focused groups. You don’t need to share or sign up—show up and listen.

Getting Started with Debtors Anonymous

Starting something new, especially when it comes to money, can be intimidating. But DA is designed to be accessible and welcoming to newcomers.

Tips for getting started:

• Attend more than one meeting: Different groups have different vibes—try a few to find one that fits.
• Listen first: Sharing is optional. Most people just listen at first and learn from others’ stories.
• Explore DA’s tools: These include the Pressure Relief Meeting, Spending Plan, and Record Maintenance.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others: Everyone’s financial situation is different, and recovery looks different for everyone.
• Stick with it: Like any recovery process, it takes time and willingness to see change.

There are no dues or fees to join DA, and all are welcome.

Find Support for Compulsive Debting

Struggling with compulsive debt? You don’t have to face it alone. Effective and confidential help is available today. You can connect with a qualified therapist through convenient online therapy or speak to someone immediately by calling the free SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Our Find Treatment Help page has the resources and information you need to take the first step.

Written by

Jessica Miller

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
• Editor

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.