Debtors Anonymous is a free 12-step fellowship for people struggling with compulsive debting, offering peer-led meetings across the Greater New York area.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Debtors Anonymous of Greater New York is a peer-support fellowship based on 12-step principles, designed specifically for people whose problematic relationship with unsecured debt is causing significant life disruption. The organization has been operating in the Greater New York region and uses a community-driven model rather than professional counseling or debt management services. The program offers multiple meeting formats including in-person gatherings, telephone meetings, and virtual sessions held across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, and Upstate New York locations. Members access tools including the 12 Steps, Traditions, Promises, and spiritual principles to transform their relationship with money and debt. What distinguishes Debtors Anonymous is its completely free, volunteer-led structure with no professional staff, fees, or commercial debt resolution services. The organization relies on member contributions and emphasizes mutual support among people with shared experiences of compulsive debting. Members are encouraged to attend at least six meetings to determine if the program fits their needs. The organization provides a self-assessment tool with 15 questions to help potential members evaluate whether they qualify as compulsive debtors. This approach is best suited for people who identify as having a behavioral or psychological relationship problem with debt rather than those seeking professional debt consolidation or credit repair. A significant caveat is that this is peer support, not professional financial counseling, and members may need additional resources for concrete debt restructuring, legal issues, or bankruptcy considerations.
Yes. Debtors Anonymous is a registered company headquartered in One Union Square South, 853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Debtors Anonymous is best for people in the Greater New York area who recognize a compulsive or behavioral pattern in their spending and debt accumulation and seek free peer support through 12-step principles. However, members should be aware this is not a professional debt management, credit counseling, or financial restructuring service—those seeking to negotiate with creditors, consolidate debt, or repair credit should combine DA participation with services from other providers.
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