Practical Steps to Rebuild Your Economic Stability After Addiction

In today’s segment, we’ll discuss the practical ways to rebuild your financial stability after rehab. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a tough reality for many. According to substance use statistics, nearly 30.5 million U.S. adults admittedly have a substance use problem.

If you’ve faced this challenge and are now on the path to recovery, you are already on the right path. But this path is not without its hurdles. Post-rehab, it might feel like you’re starting from zero.

You may struggle to find stable work, deal with debt, or manage financial stress while staying sober. This article is here to help you overcome these challenges.

Post-recovery Challenges

40% to 60% of people who receive treatment for substance addiction experience a relapse within the first year. Relapse usually occurs as a result of stress, certain environments, or unresolved trauma that triggered the dependence in the first place.

You might be wondering how many times your insurance will cover rehab if a relapse occurs. It’s a valid concern. There is no cap on the number of times an insurance company can cover substance addiction treatment, says Purpose Healing Center.

Most insurance providers in the United States, if not all, will cover the cost of rehab after relapse.

If you are not sure whether using health coverage following a relapse is possible, get in touch with your insurance provider to seek clarity. They will discreetly verify your insurance coverage details and can even suggest alternatives in case your current plan doesn’t cover rehab after one or multiple relapses.

What to Do If You Can’t Renew Your Insurance Post-Rehab?

If you’re unable to renew your insurance after rehab due to financial challenges, there are still options to help you stay on track with your recovery. Phoenix, AZ, unfortunately, has the highest reported drug use cases in the country, making it all the more critical for residents to have access to ongoing support.

If you qualify for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), you can consider using subtypes of AHCCCS for rehab. Not-for-profit managed care organizations like Mercy Care have plans like ACC-RBHA that cater to substance addiction survivors.

This service is specially made for people from low-income groups, physically disabled individuals, the elderly, and kids in foster homes.

So far, we’ve talked about the challenges you may face after rehab, like the risk of relapse and dealing with insurance. Now, let’s focus on the practical steps you can take to rebuild your financial stability and set yourself up for long-term recovery.

Create a Budget

Research shows that 70% of adults with a substance use disorder are employed. This indicates that, despite the challenges, many people successfully manage their recovery while working.

More and more companies are making efforts to sensitize themselves to the needs of employees in recovery. However, a supportive employer can only do so much. Ultimately, you have to take the reins of your situation.

Budgeting is the best tool to help you make it through this situation. The initial few months could be difficult. Hang tight. Start by tracking what you earn versus what you spend. This gives you clarity on where to cut back.

Prioritize the cost of the essentials—rent, food, utilities—then see where you can save or limit non-essentials.

Once you have a clear picture of your finances, it becomes easier to stay on top of things. Cut out unnecessary spending. Use extra cash to build savings or pay down debt.

Build an Emergency Fund

Emergencies seldom arrive announced. What would you do if an unexpected expense came up today—could you handle it? Without a rainy day fund, things like medical bills, rents, and other non-discretionary expenses can exhaust you quickly and completely.

Try to set aside a portion of your paycheck every month without fail. Even small amounts, like $50 or $100, can add up over time. You might not reach your goal overnight, but you will, eventually.

When things are tight, this is the only effective way to build a cushion that can cover one or two months of living expenses—something to fall back on during tough times. Knowing you have money set aside to handle unexpected situations could take a lot of stress off your mind.

Take Advantage of Community Resources

Do you know the resources available in your community? Many local organizations offer free help for people in recovery. You can access support with housing, job placement, and even financial assistance.

Ask around or look into local nonprofits and support groups. Government programs may also provide benefits like food stamps, healthcare, and job training. These services can help reduce financial stress and give you time to focus on recovery.

By tapping into these resources, you can stabilize your finances while staying on track with your recovery. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s there for you, and it can make all the difference in your journey.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Things might appear endlessly challenging after recovery. But with the right mindset and thoughtful approach, you can slowly return to normalcy, both in terms of finances and health.

Focus on managing your money, securing support, and taking small, steady steps. Keep moving forward, and remember, it is never about perfection, always about progress.