What is Addiction?
Addiction is all-consuming, “I love you more than my home, parents, wife, children, and job” need. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life.
Although there are many forms of addiction, the two most common are drugs and alcohol. Addiction starts out somewhat subtle and progressively gets worse. Generally speaking, someone doesn’t wake up one day randomly and is addicted to heroin. They may start taking pain killers, then start to build a tolerance and buy them illegally. Soon enough they can no longer afford to buy prescription pills and turn to a more affordable opioid, such as heroin.
How Addiction Affects Finances
Addiction directly affects the finances of the drug user and the people around them. Drugs and alcohol cost money. The more of a substance someone abuses, the more they have to spend to sustain the habit. Addicts will spend all of their money and then often resort to borrowing or stealing money from someone else.
Spending Own Money
If someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol is able to maintain employment, they’ll have money to buy substances. Since this person is making their own money they feel they can spend it however they please. What they don’t realize is in their altered state of mind, not only are they wasting money, they probably are spending all of their money on drugs or alcohol. It’s common for addicts to get into debt because while all of their money is being spent on drugs, they still need to feed themselves and buy things like gas for their car.
When Their Money’s Gone
When someone is deeply addicted to drugs, it’s nearly impossible to work. Eventually, drug users will quit or get fired from their job. They’ll run out of money of their own and not know what to do next. Since the cravings to use drugs are so powerful nothing else feels like it matters, it’s common for drug users to steal from loved ones.
Stealing money from loved ones becomes just another way to sustain the addiction. They can reach a point where they feel like they have nothing left and nothing to lose. As a friend, family member, or loved one, it’s easy to get upset but important to remember that this person isn’t stealing to be malicious, they’re just so desperate to get high that they’ll do anything it takes.
Repairing What’s Broken
Personal finances are overwhelming regardless if you’re a drug addict or not. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol and in a bad place financially, the best thing to do is treat your addiction. It’s nearly impossible to repair your financial situation if you’re still using drugs or alcohol. At Footprints of Serenity, we can help you get your life back and become financially independent. Contact us today!