While substance abuse’s detrimental effects on physical, mental, and emotional health are well-documented, the financial toll it takes is equally alarming. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we recognize the importance of addressing this aspect as part of a comprehensive approach to recovery and rehabilitation.

The Direct Financial Burden of Substance Abuse

Maintaining a drug or alcohol habit is an expensive endeavor. The costs of purchasing substances can quickly accumulate, leading to a substantial financial burden. For many, the compulsion to sustain their addiction can lead to dire decisions, including stealing or accruing significant debt.

The financial ramifications extend beyond the immediate cost of buying drugs or alcohol. Long-term substance abuse often incurs additional expenses. For instance, a DUI charge can result in skyrocketing car insurance rates, multiple different legal fees, and the need to hire a lawyer, and those costs can quickly add up.

Moreover, addiction can deplete savings or retirement accounts. Borrowing money from friends and family is a common resort, but the ability to repay these loans often becomes a hollow promise, straining relationships and worsening financial stability.

Rebuilding Finances in Recovery

Regaining control of your finances in recovery can be challenging. Integrating life skills coaching, including budgeting and fiscal responsibility, into your sobriety goals can be a crucial step toward rebuilding financial health.

Use these financial management strategies to help you regain control and enjoy more independence and responsibility.

• Develop a realistic budget: Assess your income and expenses to create a budget that accommodates essential needs while eliminating unnecessary expenditures and prioritizing high-interest debt repayment.
• Set up an emergency fund: Establish a savings goal for unforeseen expenses your budget doesn’t cover, like vehicle repair. Build a safety net by setting aside a small amount each month.
• Restore your credit health: Creating a plan to pay bills on time and reduce debt can gradually improve your credit score.
• Learning to distinguish needs vs. wants: Separate essential expenses from frivolous ones. Practice mindful, responsible spending to prevent falling into bad spending habits.
• Plan for long-term financial goals: Set achievable long-term financial objectives, such as homeownership, education, or retirement savings.
• Seek professional financial advice: Consider seeking help from a financial counselor or use online resources like budgeting software.
• Build healthy spending habits: Comparison-shop, use discounts, and avoid impulse purchases.
• Track your progress and adjust as needed: Be flexible about adjusting your budget and financial goals as your circumstances change.

The Financial Upside of Sobriety

Sobriety offers a path to holistic health, including financial stability. By addressing the root causes of addiction and equipping you with practical life skills, recovery can lead to a more secure and prosperous future.

At Lakeside-Milam, we support people working to overcome the disease of addiction with residential and outpatient programming, legal services, family counseling, and more at our seven locations across western Washington. Reach out today to learn how we can help you.