Fewer than 20% of the nine million people trapped in a severe debt spiral are getting any help to break free, according to a shocking study by a Government-backed body.
Research by the Money Advice Service (MAS) found 8.8 million people are "over-indebted", meaning they have fallen at least three months behind with their bills in the last six months or they feel their debts are a heavy burden.
But just 17% of this group said they were getting advice to help them deal with their debt, while around 40% said they did not feel able to talk to their creditors and 44% did not know where to turn for help.
The research, from more than 5,000 people, found 21% of those classed as over-indebted, equating to 1.8 million people across the UK, did not recognise that they had a problem.
A further 11% were not concerned about being in debt, the Indebted Lives study concluded.
Just 12% of over-indebted people said they were thinking about trying to get help soon and Citizen's Advice told Sky News too many people were in denial on debt - or too ashamed to deal with it.
Gillian Guy, its chief executive, said: "The earlier people get that advice the less likely they are to get into serious debt."
The MAS report also identified the UK's five most over-indebted areas as Hull, Nottingham, Manchester, Knowsley and Liverpool.
Around two-fifths of adults in these areas were struggling with debt, according to the research.
At the other end of the scale, Richmond upon Thames in southwest London had just 1.2% of its population struggling with debt.
The study said 75% of those with severe debt problems were under 45 years old and nearly two-thirds of them were women, while 48% had to forego basic necessities.
The MAS, which is an independent body set up by Government and funded by the financial services industry, offers free money advice and has statutory responsibility for coordinating debt advice in the UK.
Its chief executive Caroline Rookes said: "Millions of people could escape their spiral of debt by accessing free advice.
"However, this study presents us with a fundamental challenge: the majority of people with debt difficulties do not seek advice.
"This is the first time we've had such a detailed understanding of the complexity of their lives. So now, armed with greater insights, we will work with advice agencies, creditors and public bodies to help as many people as possible access free, high-quality, debt advice."
:: People in worsening debt are advised to get free charity advice as soon as possible - the Money Advice Service website can help.
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