NEW research has highlighted more problems that are turning us into a nation of borrowers. It seems many of us are addicted to gambling or shopping, or go through the troubles of a divorce. The research by Debt Free Direct, a financial advice company, shows that mounting debt cannot simply be attributed to low interest rates or a booming housing market. And experts in Huddersfield agree that more and more problems are adding to the debt crisis. The company has calculated that the average amount owed by people with personal debt is £5,549. Andrew Redmond, the firm's chief executive, said: "Society tends to view getting into debt as a self- induced problem, brought about by habitual over spending. "But the real picture is far more complex. "Market research on over 1,000 people showed shopaholicism, divorce and gambling were all cited as reasons for financial turmoil. Mr Redmond said overspending was the leading reason for borrowing. The second-highest reason was student loans. "Worryingly, an estimated 1.548m people have been forced into debt due to illness," said Mr Redmond. John Nelson, debt case worker at Huddersfield's Citizen Advice Bureau, said: "We see many people who borrow money, thinking they can comfortably repay it. "It is only when circumstances change that they find that what once was affordable no longer is." Mr Nelson added that some people were seduced by easy credit and ended up with even bigger problems. | 
