Managing Your Money after Leaving a Recovery House in Annapolis, MD

After participating in alcohol or drug rehab, one of the biggest ways to return to normal life involves employment. It is often the next step recovering addicts take after completing their treatment at a recovery house in Annapolis, MD. Working promotes self-sufficiency and allows individuals to contribute to their communities. However, the reality is that getting back to work and handling money is also a leading factor in going through a relapse.

Returning to work has the potential to improve self-esteem and reinforce responsible habits. On the other hand, it can also drastically decrease quality of life--and may also cause people to withdraw back to drugs and alcohol. Problems with employment include:

Psychological Stressors: The act of returning to work, especially from a residential rehab program or recovery house, can cause psychological distress. Certain work environments cultivate stressful circumstances.

Fear of Failure: Quotas and performance standards drive many professions. The inability to meet these goals can instill a fear of failure or translate to actual failure, which can trigger a relapse.

Peer Pressure: Although “going out for a drink” can be a normal interaction with coworkers, a recovering addict may be tempted to engage in binge behaviors.

In addition to the above issues is having access to money. For individuals susceptible to addictive behaviors, having money increases the temptation to spend it on drugs, alcohol, or other activities like gambling. As such, recovering alcoholics and addicts need to have the tools necessary to stay on track.

Fiscal Responsibility and Addiction Recovery

If you are returning to work after participating in a recovery house program, it also means you have made significant progress in overcoming your addictions. By utilizing the tools and strategies you have learned in rehab, you are well on your way to mastering your behaviors.

It is natural to feel temptation--especially when you have started earning money again. However, you can strengthen your sense of financial responsibility by adopting proactive behaviors. These strategies may include:

• Turning over Your Money to a Trusted Friend or Family Member
• Avoid Using an ATM or Credit Card
• Choosing to Never Store Payment Information on Apps or Online Stores
• Placing Money in an Account That Has Withdrawal Limits

Placing money where it is not readily accessible can be an effective deterrent against irresponsible spending. By applying your recovery strategies from residential rehab and keeping an eye on your finances, you can stay on the path to independence.