This could get interesting. [Mods and Admins, bring popcorn.]
This caught my attention. My brother (who no longer speaks to me) is in AA, and I've seen addiction in other family and extended family members. A pet peeve of mine about many "Anonymous" groups is that the questions are frequently weighted towards the conclusion "Obviously, you have a problem." And I think that's true with DA as well.
Not saying there aren't true debt addicts, and addicts of other things, who need help. Just that in the case of DA, I think things are weighted unfairly--moreso than most other A groups.
Here are my answers to the 15 questions. My explanations, I believe, show a bias in the test.
I measure things in actual numbers. $21K in total available CC CL, about $3200 in CC debt ($800 on a 0 percent CC, $1800 on a 9.9 percent CC), 2 car loans, and a $5K line of credit (unused). If I were maxed or headed that way, I might think differently.
Most compulsive debtors will answer "yes" to at least eight of the following 15 questions.
1. Are your debts making your home life unhappy? Yes, but even if I owed zip, nada, nothing, housing prices would make up for it with their own share of unhappiness. Plus the bile built up from past experience ain't going away, even if I owed a home free and clear.
2. Does the pressure of your debts distract you from your daily work? Yes, staying on top of it requires focus and attention to detail.
3. Are your debts affecting your reputation? No
4. Do your debts cause you to think less of yourself? No
5. Have you ever given false information in order to obtain credit? No
6. Have you ever made unrealistic promises to your creditors? Yes, I gave in to the pressure over the phone and told 'em what they wanted to hear. CAs will tell you that's a good thing.
7. Does the pressure of your debts make you careless of the welfare of your family? No
8. Do you ever fear that your employer, family or friends will learn the extent of your total indebtedness? Yes, and I suspect 30-50 percent of the population is in the boat with me. Difference is I admit it.
9. When faced with a difficult financial situation, does the prospect of borrowing give you an inordinate feeling of relief? No
10. Does the pressure of your debts cause you to have difficulty sleeping? No
11. Has the pressure of your debts ever caused you to consider getting drunk? No
12. Have you ever borrowed money without giving adequate consideration to the rate of interest you are required to pay? No
13. Do you usually expect a negative response when you are subject to a credit investigation? Not anymore, but it depends.
14. Have you ever developed a strict regimen for paying off your debts, only to break it under pressure? Yes, I've set far too agressive goals in the past. You can get nuts over debt, and create more stress from the pressure of paying things down.
15. 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? No
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.
