It may seem counterintuitive to onlookers: a person struggling financially finds themselves falling deeper and deeper into alcohol or drug abuse. Why spend money and time you do not have on something so non-essential?
The problem with substance use disorder (SUD) is it does not follow common sense; it takes over. Many studies have shown a link between increased financial stress and substance abuse.
But what explains the link between money problems and addiction? And how can people suffering from SUD develop the coping skills necessary to deal with both financial stress and substance abuse?
What Causes Substance Use Disorder?
SUD is far from a weakness of will. Rather, it is a chronic disease causing its sufferers to compulsively use alcohol or drugs regardless of negative consequences. Some symptoms that distinguish SUD from moderate substance use include:
- Using more of alcohol or drugs or for longer than originally planned (losing control of consumption)
- Unsuccessfully trying to quit or cut back on substance use
- Spending large amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from substance use
- Strong cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Ongoing interference with school, work, family life, or other responsibilities
- Using substances despite continued relationship problems
- Taking risks such as driving or having unprotected sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Needing to use more of a substance to get the same desired effect
Often, SUD is accompanied by other mental health conditions, such as an anxiety and addiction dual diagnosis or depression and addiction. Though these can make the road to recovery more complex, understanding them and other dual diagnoses is vital to help people suffering from SUD truly heal.
It is also important to understand the interconnectedness between life circumstances, such as debt and alcoholism. Why some people turn to alcohol and drugs during times of stress and others do not is a topic of much study and debate. The answers are complex, but certain common risk factors for developing SUD arise:
- Biology: certain genes are associated with a higher risk for SUD
- Environment: physical or sexual abuse or high stress environments (such as poverty) contribute to the development of SUD
- Age of exposure: generally, the earlier a person begins using drugs or alcohol, the more likely they are to develop SUD
The Relationship between Financial Stress and Substance Abuse
Worries about money or lack thereof are one of the most commonly reported triggers for increased anxiety and depression. And for those already dealing with SUD, increased anxiety can cause increased substance use.
In fact, one study done in 2022 among veterans in the United States found that those who screened positive for anxiety were more likely to consume larger quantities of alcohol after entering periods of financial stress than those who screened negative for anxiety.
Even without pre-existing anxiety, the weight of financial worries can have devastating consequences on mental health. Some studies indicate that up to 43 percent of U.S. adults report that financial worries have a negative effect on their mental health.
Unquestionably, there is a bidirectional relationship between financial stress and substance abuse—money problems drive people toward alcohol and drugs, and then addiction creates devastating financial consequences. For example, heavy substance users may end up spending half of their monthly income on drugs or alcohol.
The financial toll goes beyond mere money spent, however. SUD’s devastating effect on health and relationships greatly impacts productivity and a person’s ability to work. People with SUD may lose their jobs–causing greater stress, which can lead to more substance use–and then find themselves stuck in unemployment.
Health care costs also contribute to financial stress and substance abuse. As a person’s health declines from drug and alcohol addiction, the medical bills stack up.
Once plunged into a cycle of debt and unemployment, the person suffering from SUD is stuck in patterns that will have long-lasting effects on those who love them–generational poverty and broken families are often the result.
Breaking Free from Financial Stress and Substance Abuse
One of the biggest obstacles to recovery is the cost of addiction treatment services. The stress of figuring out the answers to questions such as “does insurance cover addiction treatment” can overwhelm a person already at the end of their rope. They may feel that they need a program as intense as residential treatment, but the cost can seem prohibitive.
And what about returning to work after rehab? How to overcome feelings of shame about past mistakes? Not to mention, is financial recovery after addiction even possible?
The answer, thankfully, is yes. High-quality treatment programs provide patients not only with help recovering from SUD but also with the life skills necessary for successful life after addiction. From accountability groups to specialized classes, true lifelong recovery is possible with sufficient support.
Find Healing at Sana at Stowe
Consider starting your healing journey in a premium facility under the care of compassionate professionals at Sana at Stowe. Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Vermont countryside, our residential inpatient treatment program combines luxury accommodations with evidence-based therapies and experiential treatments to give you the best start on your healing journey.
Our treatments include dual diagnosis treatment, so that all the complex issues around addiction are addressed.
If finances are a concern–as they often are for those struggling with SUD–Sana at Stowe offers medically-supervised detox and accepts insurance through in-network providers. Not only is our luxury-level care accessible, it will also include financial recovery planning as part of comprehensive treatment, and life skills development including financial management.
Consider as well that an investment in treatment prevents costlier consequences down the road. Time and money spent becoming a healthy, whole person without the burdens of SUD will have lifelong positive benefits.
Download our addiction treatment guide, and do not hesitate to reach out to us today. One phone call to (802) 532-5277 is all you need to start your journey. One of our trained professionals is waiting to talk to you, now.
