It's funny, some of you make it sound like its a dilemma only those in this country face. Surely, you aren't so naive to think that the credit card impact isn't felt in MOST countries, not just here?
It is a tool, not the cause, as was already said. If you suck at money management, then yeah, you're gonna f*** it up and hopefully learn from your mistakes.
There aren't many large (read: home, car, investment property, etc) purchases that CAN be made without a pretty lengthy credit history existing. Thats just how it is.