How to Treat a Credit Card Addiction

Your credit card debt is building each month, but you can only pay the minimum amount due. What's worse, you can't stop spending. Credit cards are convenient, but they can be a disaster for the shopper who always gives in to temptation. If you are addicted to using credit cards, you will need to take some serious steps toward putting an end to the spending.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Accept that you have an addiction that needs treatment. Even though you may laugh about your spending, it is a serious issue if you are piling up debt.

2. Leave your credit cards at home when you go shopping. Take some cash, and when it's gone, it's gone. You can't buy any more stuff. Find a friend you can confide in, and make yourself accountable to her.

3. Convince yourself you can heal your addiction. Since all you need to shop online is the card number and expiration date, cutting up your cards may not end your spending. You will need to do the hard thing, which means actually giving up the accounts.

4. Close your credit card accounts. Simply call the number on the back of the card, and ask to close the account.

5. Keep one credit card for emergencies, but give it to a family member or trusted friend for safe-keeping. Pick someone who won't give in to your pleading for that gorgeous pair of shoes that you'll only wear once. Each time you're able to resist, congratulate yourself and share your success with others.

6. Satisfy your need for retail therapy by going to garage sales and thrift stores. You can usually get a lot for a little.

7. Get professional help if needed. Sheer willpower may not be enough to curb your addiction. Call local non-profit credit counseling agencies and churches about support groups and workshops to help you stop spending.