For many, debt can feel like a never-ending cycle—overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally draining. This was the experience of Eric*, a UAE resident, who at one point owed over Dh150,000. “I had always borrowed from friends and never had a clear understanding of my finances,” he says. Growing up in the UK in a household where money was always tight, Eric learned to view finances with uncertainty and hope for a lucky break.
As an adult, he faced the same struggles in the UAE, where access to credit cards and loans made it easy to accumulate unsecured debt. Even when starting his own business, he found himself borrowing from family to keep it afloat. The financial strain affected not just his wallet but his social life and emotional wellbeing. “I started avoiding gatherings because I couldn’t afford them, and hearing about others’ financial achievements made me feel lonely,” he admits.
A turning point came when Eric discovered Debtors Anonymous (DA) and Business Debtors Anonymous (BDA), support groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. With a structured 12-step programme, a sponsor, and tools like a ‘numbers buddy’ to track finances, Eric began to take control. “I’ve learned to monitor every penny, avoid new debt, and even increase my income through a side job. I may not be wealthy, but I can now pay my personal and business bills,” he says.
DA and BDA are global communities, offering virtual meetings that allow members in the UAE and around the world to participate. The anonymity and accessibility of these meetings have helped many find clarity and support, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when in-person meetings were limited.
Another member, Thomas*, a former UAE resident now in Qatar, experienced a lifetime of debt challenges stemming from childhood pressures and dysfunctional family dynamics. Even with a well-paying career, he accumulated over half a million dollars in debt due to impulsive spending, risky investments, and student loans. Virtual DA meetings helped Thomas recognize the pattern of debt-driven behaviour and take steps to regain control.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Chandler explains that while “debt addiction” is not a formal medical diagnosis, problematic financial behaviours often stem from emotional and psychological factors such as low self-worth, impulsivity, or difficulty managing money. Men, in particular, may struggle with compulsive spending to match perceived social expectations. Professionals evaluate whether a person’s debt impacts their life significantly and whether previous attempts to change behaviour were unsuccessful. Those with deeper behavioural patterns may require therapeutic support, while individuals experiencing temporary financial difficulty can benefit from financial coaching.
The experiences of other DA members, like Ramesh* from India and Stephen* from the UAE, echo the same message: debt often isolates people and creates a cycle of shame and fear. Stephen recalls handling 40 to 50 creditors daily and feeling worthless and helpless. Joining virtual DA meetings gave him a sense of community and hope. “I realized I wasn’t alone, and now I feel like I’m living a meaningful life while managing my finances responsibly,” he says.
For many struggling with debt in the UAE and beyond, Debtors Anonymous offers more than financial advice—it provides structure, community, and the tools to rebuild confidence and take control of one’s financial future. Members report that through regular meetings, accountability, and practical strategies, they are able to break free from the weight of debt and regain stability, security, and peace of mind.
