What should I do if I'm struggling financially because of my addiction?

Financial problems are one of the most common consequences of substance addiction, and addressing them is an important part of rebuilding your life in recovery support. The good news is that financial situations can improve significantly as you maintain sobriety, but it often takes time and planning. Start by taking an honest inventory of your financial situation. List all debts, assets, income, and expenses. This might feel overwhelming, but you can't create a plan without knowing where you stand. Consider working with a financial counselor or using free resources like those offered by credit unions or nonprofit credit counseling services. Prioritize your basic needs first: housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. If you're behind on rent or utilities, contact your providers to discuss payment plans. Many companies are willing to work with people who are proactively addressing their situation. Look into resources available for people in recovery support. Some areas have programs that help with job placement, housing assistance, or emergency financial aid for people in treatment or early recovery. Your treatment center or local social services office can provide information about available resources. Focus on increasing your income through employment or job training programs. Many employers value the honesty, dedication, and problem-solving skills that people in recovery often develop. Consider starting with any job to get income flowing, even if it's not your ideal position. Be patient with the process. It may take months or years to fully recover financially, but each month of sobriety typically improves your financial situation. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk financial decisions while you're rebuilding stability. Consider that your financial recovery is closely tied to your addictive behaviors recovery—maintaining sobriety is the foundation for all other improvements in your life.