Credit Card Counseling for an Addict
A Credit Article Contributed by Kris Griebe
Oooh....Shiny New Credit Card... Maybe I Do Need Counseling!
There is counseling for gambling addictions, just like there is counseling for a credit card addiction. Do you get a new credit card every week? (That may be a slight exaggeration, but you get the point) Do you have to go and shop the second you get a new credit card, or the second you have some free space on your card? If you answered yes to any of these, you may need counseling. Don't be ashamed, everyone has some sort of addiction, though credit cards can be hazardous!
An addiction to credit cards will lead to large debt, poor credit, and a worsening financial situation. Credit cards are a great tool, but they are only that, a tool. When your credit card becomes your friend (you know you have talked to it before, don't deny it! ), that is when it has crossed the line, and you should seek intervention.
Being serious though, addiction to credit cards can ruin your life if you don't control it. You will find everything you buy repossessed if your debts continue to rise. Worse, you could even lose your place to live! There is no time like the present when it comes to seeking counseling over a credit card addiction.
Ok, I Admit It, I Am Addicted to Credit Cards. Where Can I Go for Counseling?
You might have seen television advertisements for gambling addictions, but you won't see one for credit card addictions, so your only option will be to search online. Put your shiny plastic cards down for a few moments and head to your favorite search engine (that is SEARCH ENGINE, not ONLINE MERCHANT...I know... confusing). Once you are there, type "credit card counseling" into the text box (yes, that place where you usually enter the name of some expensive new gadget) and hit the search button.
In a few seconds the results of your search will be displayed. There will be many web sites, and now you have to find one that can help you. Read through the list of results and pick a promising site. Click on the link and you will be transported to their web site.
Ok, I Found a Credit Card Counseling Site, What Now?
That depends on what you wish to do. I would recommend contacting them via email or phone. Before hand, read any information on the site, as it will be helpful in starting the process to recovery from your addiction. Once you have read all this, contact them, speak to someone, and they will give you all the necessary information to start the road to recovery. Remember, it will not happen over-night.
It will require discipline and hard work, but in the end, you will be better off if you solve the problem now, rather than let it lead you into debt and misery. The only person that can begin the process of helping you, *IS* you.
