For both the addict and their loved ones (as well as any close friends), the emotional toll can be absolutely devastating, but you might not fully realize that these people may also have to face an equally terrible problem: excessive costs. Although this might sound inhumane, the financial burden faced by drug addicts and their close family members can be immensely overwhelming, to the point that they will continue to suffer emotionally. After all, patients should not have to spend half of their life savings in order to beat an illness on par with other dangerous mental disorders. So, what is the true financial burden of some addiction recovery programs? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
A Cycle of Spending Money
Keep in mind that these financial problems can be short-term or (even worse) long-term. Based on a recent survey conducted by True Link Financial, an estimated 82% of family members confirmed their loved ones’ finances were crippled as a direct result of drug addiction or alcoholism. Why is this the case, you may ask?
Remember that, for a large percentage of people, rehabilitation doesn’t always prove to be successful the first time around. Kai Stinchcombe (CEO and co-founder of True Link) explains how the treatment process can be outrageously expensive, and some patients have to complete the same programs over and over before they successfully become sober. Now, add to the fact that excessive payments mean fewer vacations, family outings, and fun with friends, and you can see why so many people could easily relapse as a direct result of guilt (due to cash flow).
Poor Money Management
On the flip side, though, this report has also confirmed the unfortunate fact that people will completely throw away money to use drugs. Out of the survey respondents, researchers learned that:
- 48% of people revealed how a family member had drained savings and/or retirement funds to purchase drugs.
- 42% of people confirmed their family members sold valuable assets to maintain addictive behavior.
- 11% of people revealed their family members were forced to file for bankruptcy as a direct result of their addictive behavior.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
As much as we do not like to admit it, drug abuse and addiction are not going anywhere anytime soon, but the good news is that you can easily find a way to overcome these illnesses. For many people, though, the emotional and financial burdens of wellness and self-improvement can cause more harm than good, unless you know exactly where to look to find the help you deserve. You do not have to pay a lot of money to get better.
If you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn about how you can overcome your attachment to drugs today.