Creating a New Budget in Sobriety

Substance use disorder (SUD) has many far-reaching effects on each person’s life. On top of the physical and emotional ramifications of prolonged use of drugs or alcohol, professional employment, relationships, and finances can all be disrupted as well. Effective Hawaii drug treatment programs to both address the cessation of these substances and instill life skills for managing urges and cravings are often necessary for a truly transformative recovery. Building a new budget in sobriety is one of the many skills that an individual can learn in treatment. Despite the challenges that may surface, it is always possible to create a new budget with the right support and guidance from family, peers, and the professionals of Hawaii Island Recovery. 

Finances can be compromised as a result of substance use for many reasons. For some, the continued use of addictive can overshadow financial responsibilities or needs. An individual may siphon funds that were dedicated to groceries, rent, or other necessities to purchase drugs or alcohol. Others may not truly realize how much money is being spent fueling these addictive practices, and their savings can quickly drain as they continue to engage with drugs or alcohol without recognizing how it is affecting their financial well-being. 

Budgeting finances in sobriety is tricky. However, it is also a crucially important skill. Creating an effective budget is necessary to regain a degree of financial control over their a person’s life and reprioritize important expenses. Refocusing on rent, gas, utilities, and other bills and necessities can empower those in recovery to take control of their sober journey and accurately reflect on the financial cost of addiction and the financial opportunities in sobriety after treatment. 

Others may find that financial stress can be a major trigger on their continued sobriety, causing an individual to experience an increased risk of relapse. Financial stresses can be profoundly difficult to cope with, especially with how finances can affect other areas of a person’s life.

Some may also find that their spending habits can change in sobriety that don’t necessarily reflect positive change. While a person may be maintaining their hard-earned sobriety and avoiding the purchase of addictive substances, shopping to fill this void or the feeling of lacking left behind by the absence of addictive substances is possible, leading to replacement shopping addictions or other unhealthy spending habits. 

Lastly, creating a new budget can also help those in recovery who are benefitting from professional success as a result of their sobriety. However, with increased financial income can come risk, and seeing additional income as expendable can also influence the chances of relapse. For these reasons and more, maintaining a healthy and effective budget is necessary for a truly sustainable sober life. 

There are many skills and factors that go into creating an effective sober budget. Each individual will have their own unique financial situation to address in sobriety. Taking time to create a dedicated plan with peers and professionals at Hawaii Island Recovery is crucial for avoiding some of the challenges that finances can introduce to sustained sobriety. 

Financial budgets can be an inherently vulnerable topic to discuss, and many people may be uncomfortable talking about their earnings and spending. However, having sober family members or peers assist in the development of these budgets is crucial. Being honest and open about the challenges ahead can have many benefits. For some, the perspective of these supports can be invaluable, helping an individual to recognize areas of spending and helping an individual continue to work alongside peers and family for a unified approach to continued sobriety.

Having a solid budget also ensures that each person stays accountable for their actions and tracks their spending effectively. Being accountable for a person’s own finances is a major testament to their progress and success in sobriety. Writing down concrete numbers or guidelines and keeping receipts can help each individual maintain accountability. However, this doesn’t mean that an individual can never spend money on themselves. Rather, an individual is prepared to budget for personal spending as well. 

Wants and needs can seem foggy for those affected by addiction. At one point, the use of drugs or alcohol may have seemed absolutely necessary for functioning in daily life. However, making a list of wants and needs, going over it with professionals or peers, and effectively categorizing these elements can help those in recovery build a budget around their necessities first before expanding to wants to mitigate unnecessary or dangerous spending. 

While the accessibility of using a credit or debit card can be helpful, it can also be difficult for an individual to effectively track their spending. Rather, making a new budget and withdrawing only a certain amount of cash for personal expenses can help each individual better manage their spending effectively.

Having a certain goal in mind can also inform other decisions and practices. Dedicating a certain savings amount and creating a new budget around that particular goal can be an amazing way to inform otherwise compulsive spending, as well as realize how much money is being used on regular expenses and how much one can save for the future. 

Building a new budget in sobriety can be a complicated task, and we at Hawaii Island Recovery are prepared to help you at any stage of your recovery embrace the skills necessary to facilitate the most effective and comprehensive healing. From life skills and our Hawaii drug treatment programs to continued alumni support and a tight-knit community of peers and professionals, we are committed to a holistic transformation. We understand that recovery doesn’t end at our walls, and building a new life, developing skills, and setting an effective budget are all part of a sober life. For more information on how we can help you further your recovery goals, call to speak to us today at (866) 390-5070.