<prompt> Human: As the title states... I battled a severe drug problem from the ages of 25-30, during which time I lost absolutely everything. I was finally able to get clean and stay clean 18 months ago and now I am trying to figure out if there is any chance that I can fix my current credit issues, or if my only real option is to file for BK. If BK is my best option then I obviously want to do it sooner than later as I know it will be hanging over my head for years to come. I currently have a credit score of 565 based on my credit karma app. I realize that this is not necessarily 100 accurate but based on the information detailed in my profile, I think it is definitely close enough for what I am trying to figure out at this stage of this process. My profile shows that I have the following closed accounts: Well Fargo 22,542 312013 Chase 5,888 782013 Amex 2,824 5272013 Capital One Auto 5,877 6302014 Student Loan 16,689 552016.I currently have 1,572 in collections, which I believe is made up of 3 unpaid medical bills and a delinquent Goodyear Tire Credit Account.I started a new job here in California about 5.5 months ago where I earn a base salary of 40,000 and have the ability to earn commission each month. Since starting 5.5 months ago I have earned approximately 15k in commission but the payment structure is set to pay out each commission over 12 months, so of the 15k I have earned, I have received a little over 5k and the rest will be paid out over the next several months. I hope to earn about 70k this year but based on the pay out structure its not like 70k will be my annual take home as anything I earn towards the end of the year will be paid out over the following 12 months. Lastly, I recently opened a secured credit card in the amount of 300. I realize that this was probably a little premature but I am desperate to start getting my credit score up mostly so I will be able to finance a car in the future as I am currently driving a 20 year old Honda which has been a god send for the short term.I have spent endless hours on this sub trying to figure out my options and I felt that it was finally time to post something in hopes that someone could provide some insight as to what my best plan of action might be. I have read about the SOL for credit reporting being 7 years from the time the account became delinquent, but I dont fully understand the ins and outs and I dont want to get sued unexpectedly for unpaid debt. The reality is I have nothing to my name other than a few hundred bucks in my account at any given time, a 20 year old car, a rented apartment for 900month which miraculously did not require a credit check and most importantly 18 months of sobriety. So, where do I go from here? Do I have any shot at fixing my past financial wreckage or is my best bet to start the process of BK and take the fresh start even though it will affect my credit for close to the next decade?EDIT I appreciate everyones answers and encouragement. One other thing that I dont really understand is why so little of my delinquent debt is in collections and what I can expect to happen in the future. Just seems a little odd that a medical bill that is less than a year old and for a couple hundred dollars would immediately be sent to collections, whereas over 20k in Wells Fargo credit card debt is not. Edit 2: Again, thanks for all of the answers and encouragement. I also forgot to add that I have a judgement against me for 3,300 from when I got evicted from my apartment in early 2013. Based on my credit karma app the judgment was posted on 52013.  <response>: First of all, youve done a lot to help yourself already by getting clean. Most important thing: your health always comes first. What you have going on is very stressful Im sure, but life will go on. Dont let it get to you too much, youre already in a far better place now, and youll look back 3 years from now and realize you are in an even better place.Others have suggested trying to negotiate a pay for delete, which is very good. Research this, there are even pre-written letters to help you on some sites. Just make sure you get everything in writing! If they dont agree to pay for delete, just pay everything anyway. Youll feel better about it and eventually, your credit will raise.Make sure you start an emergency fund. Paying off debt is important, but dont let it put you in such a tight spot that you cant keep the lights on or buy food. Pull your credit reports and find out who you owe money to. Its a lot but youll get there. A guy once told me this, You know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Its corny as hell, but its really applicable here.Good luck with everything, and great work so far. 