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Question: 
I have a problem.  I cant control my charging on with credit cards.  I have charged a large amount on them over and over and over. I had help paying them off from my parents, and now I have got cards in another family member's name and charged those up.  I don't know what to do.  I need help, but I don't know what to do first.  I am not sure if it is an OCD or what.  I feel so ashamed and wonder how i got to this point.  Please give me a starting point on what to do.. I am at the lowest point in my life.  I cant stop charging.

Answer:
Addictions are of many different kinds... shopping and charging on credit cards is one of them.  The dynamics of addictions are complex.  The problem continues until you actively seek help from a professional who specializes in dealing with addictions. Recovery is hard work but not impossible at all.

You mentioned feeling embarrassed and unable to stop... these are very common feelings among those who struggle with addictions of any kind.

There is definitely help available. The first step is admitting that a problem exists, then evaluate the quality of your life with this addiction... and figure out if this is how you want to spend the rest of your life.  Be as honest as you can with yourself.  Addictions get worse with time.  Don't feel ashamed of a problem, emotional problems are not any different than physical health problems.

Think of this problem as a means of getting in touch with your strength.  Look at other areas of your life in which you exercise control and self-discipline... and apply that strength to this issue.

And I am pretty sure you have strengths (I have yet to come across somebody who doesn't, though they may not see it).

Regards
Uzma Mazhar MS; MA