Meetings
We attend meetings at which we can 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 and of the retirement of any portions of our outstanding debts.
Anonymity
We practice anonymity, which allows us freedom of expression by
assuring us that what we say at meetings or to other D.A. members at
any time will not be repeated.
The Telephone
We maintain constant contact with other D.A. members by exchanging
telephone numbers. We make a point of talking to other D.A. members
before and after taking difficult steps in our 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
persons from the group who have been abstinent for three (3) months,
and who usually have more experience in the program. The group meets in
a series of Pressure Relief Meetings to review our financial situation.
Spending Plans
The Pressure Relief Meeting usually results in the formulation of a
spending plan, which puts our needs first, and an action plan, for
resolving our debts and taking the first steps toward solvency.
Sponsor
Many of us find it extremely helpful to select a sponsor. A sponsor is
an abstinent member of D.A. who is usually more experienced in working
the Twelve Steps. The sponsor aids us in implementing our action plan
and in working the Steps.
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.
A.A. Literature
We study the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous to strengthen our
understanding of compulsive disease. We can identify with many of the
situations described therein 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 by reading news
accounts of its effects.
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 has been so generously given to us.