Some people experience financial challenges during recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). Financial issues may be directly or indirectly caused by substance abuse. People often experience financial anxiety if they have problems meeting personal or societal expectations. According to the American Journal of Health Behavior, “Financial strain refers to difficulty affording food, clothing, housing, major items (eg, car), furniture/household equipment, leisure activities, and bills and represents an undesirable mismatch between income and the combination of expenses and accumulated debt.” Financial strain or instability is not necessarily linked to a person’s socioeconomic status. West Coast Recovery Centers helps clients find resources to address financial challenges during treatment.
How Does Financial Instability Impact Recovery and Mental Health?
Any financial strain or instability has the potential to cause significant emotional distress. How much a person makes at their job does not determine if they experience financial strain. According to Springer Nature, “[I]dividuals with similar income levels can have different levels of financial worries due to their different consumption values and spending habits as well as their various demands on income such as food, healthcare, transportation, and housing.”
Unaddressed financial instability affects recovery in several ways, including:
- Increased stress worsens symptoms of SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders
- People may have difficulty focusing on treatment and recovery if they feel pressured to meet financial obligations
- Some clients may not have access to transportation, medication, or other essentials
Treatment programs can address client concerns about financial instability. The care team provides clients experiencing financial difficulties with contact information and referrals for community-based resources. Addressing the cause of financial distress reduces the risk of relapse and improves the effectiveness of treatment.
The dedicated clinicians at West Coast Recovery Centers understand everyone has different needs and lifestyle expectations. Clients are supported and guided through identifying how to improve their overall health and well-being, including overcoming financial challenges. Some people may not be aware of the financial assistance available to them. Clinicians connect clients to resources.
What Financial Challenges Are Caused by Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse can cause a wide range of financial issues, including:
- People may spend any money they have acquiring drugs or alcohol
- Legal problems caused by substance abuse may cause significant financial hardship
- Job loss due to substance abuse or the symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Debt from borrowing money or not paying bills
- Healthcare costs caused by substance abuse or co-occurring mental health disorders
Most financial problems are improved by sobriety and the support of a dedicated care team.
What Therapeutic Tools Help People Cope With Financial Challenges During Recovery?
Everyone has experienced financial concerns. However, individuals with SUD have a higher risk of financial hardship. The stress of money problems may trigger severe cravings or a relapse during early recovery. Clients in treatment protect their sobriety by learning practical coping skills and strategies.
Many people find the following therapeutic tools useful when trying to manage stress related to financial problems:
- Stress management and stress reduction techniques
- Group therapy and support groups
- Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Alternative holistic therapies, including mindfulness meditation
Often, the causes of money issues are outside a person’s immediate control. Finding ways to reduce or manage stress helps people focus on recovering from SUD and establishing healthier routines. Making better life choices may help some people achieve financial stability more quickly.
How Does Job Loss and Other Financial Challenges Impact Recovery?
Being fired is one of the most common financial challenges impacting people experiencing substance abuse. The effects of SUD may cause some people to reduce productivity or become disruptive at work, leading to job loss. Misusing substances on the job or working while under the influence can also cause some people to lose their jobs or be assigned to less lucrative positions. Loss of a career or a steady paycheck may cause significant financial stress for clients in treatment.
Job loss and related problems interfere with recovery by doing the following:
- Causing emotional distress
- Making it more challenging to access aftercare services
- Putting strain on relationships
Many people experiencing job loss go through treatment with the primary goal of achieving sobriety to return to work and support their families.
How Does West Coast Recovery Centers Prepare Clients to Achieve Financial Stability During Recovery?
Many people rely on treatment programs to provide them with the tools they need to regain control of their lives. After establishing sobriety, people often focus on finding ways to support themselves and return to work.
Treatment programs prepare clients to achieve financial stability by ensuring they have access to the following:
- Life skills development
- Psychoeducation
- Community-based resources
- Information on recovery resources within the workplace
- A strong support system to maintain accountability
Financial challenges are often easier to overcome when people have a plan to return to work. West Coast Recovery Centers ensures clients have what they need to manage sobriety and successfully rejoin the workforce.
People recovering from SUD often face financial issues caused directly or indirectly by substance abuse. Financial strain increases stress, reduces access to recovery resources, and may cause tension within relationships. Treatment programs help people prepare to face everyday challenges using healthy coping skills. Mindfulness and acceptance are two areas people often focus on in therapy to reduce the emotional distress caused by financial strain. The care team at West Coast Recovery Centers provides clients with information and access to essential support services and skill development to ensure they have the tools they need to return to work or locate assistance for overcoming financial challenges. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (760) 492-6509.