It usually takes a long time to get really deep in debt, but some people manage their debt like their diet, one big binge and they are really a lot heavier in debt.
However fast you got there and unless you win the Power Ball lottery you are unlikely to get out of debt quickly.
You will need a plan and you will probably need help.
It will take you at least as long to get out of debt as it took getting in and just like being lost in the deep woods you will need a guide or a compass to get out again.
It helps to have a goal when you are trying to reduce your debt.
That might mean picking one credit card to eliminate first or making extra payments on all your outstanding accounts to reduce not only the principal but the interest as well.
Over a year or two you will begin to see the fruits of your debt reduction strategy and over time you can get your debt back to a place where you can afford it.
If you are in serious debt you might want to see someone who can give you expert advice.
Your bank can do that but sometimes bankers don't like to see how much credit trouble you have gotten yourself into.
In that case you can always see a debt counseling or credit counseling company that just may be able to help.
These companies offer a number of services from debt management to debt consolidation.
They also provide credit advice and credit counseling services that can turn your debt nightmare into a place where you can actually sleep at night.
In some cases they can not only help to reduce your debt burden but show you ways to keep that unwanted weight off forever.