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While you were addicted to alcohol or drugs, you may have neglected other areas of your life. It is not unusual for alcoholics or drug addicts to neglect relationships or responsibilities. It is also not uncommon for them to rack up large debts or even resort to crime to fund their habit. If you are facing a mountain of debt now that you have completed a programme of rehabilitation, you will probably need help to get this area of your life sorted.
Dealing with financial problems in early recovery can become a massive headache and one that you could probably do without. It might be wise to contact a non-profit debt management company for help and advice with your situation. Ignoring the problem is never a good idea and can only make the situation much worse. The sooner you deal with it, the sooner you can start to relax and focus on staying sober.
Take Charge of the Situation
It is worthwhile doing what you can to alleviate the problem while you are waiting for a debt management company to take over. The first thing you should do is call your creditors to explain why you are in this situation. Explain that you have been suffering from an illness for a long time but that you are now working on your recovery. Tell them that you need time to get yourself sorted and ask if they will arrange a new payment plan or extension. You will also need to assure them that you will not be taking on more debt.
Start Budgeting
You have to get a handle on your finances, and one way to do this is to avoid using credit cards. Work out a budget and stick to it. Make a list of all your expenses and also write down exactly what income you have coming in. There are many free budgeting tools available online that can help. Be sure to include everything. Think about where you can cut down certain expenses so that you can start to pay off your debts.
Stay Focused on Recovery
Coping with the stresses of financial hardship can be difficult. If creditors are constantly calling you for money, you may feel as though the walls are caving in. This can be dangerous because your natural reaction has always been to deal with stressful situations by turning to your drug of choice.
However, after all your hard work, it would be a real shame to revert to type now. You need to remember what you have learned in recovery and call your sponsor or counsellor if you are finding things tough.
Practice the meditation techniques you learned in recovery and remember that your health is the most important thing now everything else can be sorted out. Do not let your financial situation be the reason you return to drugs or alcohol.
Additional Help
If you feel as though your recovery is in danger because you are finding it difficult to cope with financial stresses, call Rehab Helper today. We have a team of professional counsellors and therapists ready to listen to your situation and to help you get through it.
Remember that you are never alone we are here 24 hours a day and are ready to provide you with any advice you may need. Our service is free and confidential. Many of our staff have been through recovery journeys themselves and know exactly what you are going through. As such, they can provide you with advice and information on how to deal with your current situation.
