Debt is one of those things that you never see coming. It is so innocent. So quite. Yet it is deadly. It is addicting. It will control you before you even know what is going on.

It sounds a little overdramatic. But it isn't. Debt is one of those things that flips on you. You have it in control one day, the next, it has you. Many of us realize that it is getting out of control, but we don't do anything about it. We ignore the warning signs. We continue to contribute to its hold on us.

Credit cards are just the beginning. Before you know it, you can justify anything. And it will eat your finances, your peace and even your relationships.

First, you must recognize that you are addicted. This is hard for many. We hate to admit that we have messed up. I've been there. Hindsight is 20/20. But once you have beaten it, you are wiser. You see things more clearly. You understand what you did to get there. And you see it in those around you.

Ask yourself:

Have you been requesting credit increases lately? Are you maxed out on your cards?

Do you have trouble paying your monthly bills due to lack of funds?

Are you using your credit to pay for groceries and other living expenses?

Do your credit card payments exceed 20% of your monthly income?

If you are answering yes, then you are becoming a debt addict. If you whip out that card without even thinking, just to be shocked when the bill comes, you are an addict.

What can you do? Start changing right this minute. Fix the problems right away. Take steps to identify why you overspend and how you can stop. Cut those cards up and form a plan to get out of debt. Create a budget and stick with it. Learn to live without the stress that comes along with debt. Sleep again without worrying about how you will pay the bills. Free yourself from your debt addiction.

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