When you’re in the throes of addiction, you’re probably not thinking about how much you’re spending on drugs or alcohol. When you’re out of rehab, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover how much money you’ll save because you’re not using. Don’t just stick your cash under your mattress — put it to good use by giving yourself a new goal or by fulfilling an old dream for your life after addiction.
Pay Yourself First
Give yourself the gift of security and start saving now. Open a retirement investment account — what you contribute may be tax deductible — or make a deposit into an emergency savings fund. Make your financial health your top priority, and you’ll be surprised at how much satisfaction being prepared for a rainy day can yield. Plus, when you get used to saving now, you won’t regret spending it on trinkets later.
Go Back to School
What better investment to make than one in yourself? Now is the time to pursue a long-cherished education. Whether you decided to head back to school for your master’s or you want to take a few classes in photography, you’ll enrich your mind and enjoy your spare time when you’re back in school. Not only is education a terrific investment in your future, it also makes you a more interesting person and eliminates the frustration and temptation that come from boredom.
The key to success is to pick a subject you’re genuinely interested in — if your mom wants you to study accounting but art history is more your speed, you could find yourself stuck before you’ve even started. What do you want?
Seize the Day
Have you always wanted to visit New Zealand? Perhaps you’ve always loved a certain car, or you’re ready to buy your first house. Take the money you used to spend on drugs or alcohol and put it toward a meaningful purchase instead. Every dollar counts, so don’t feel frustrated if you don’t have all the money you need now. Instead, chip away at your goal piece by piece — and every time you feel like using, put the money you’d spend on drugs or booze into your savings account instead. You’ll be surprised how fast your savings add up — and how quickly you can reach your goal.
Give Back
One of the most difficult feelings to overcome is shame, and addicted people suffer from guilt every day. You can’t change the past, but you can improve your future by giving back. Donate the money you used to spend using on a favorite charity, or volunteer your time with a community organization. Giving back to others is surprisingly satisfying, and it serves as an important reminder of how much you have to be thankful for. Your life may not be perfect, but you’re here — and you can support others, just as others have supported you.
Contact 12 Keys Rehab
12 Keys Rehab is a recovery center that provides holistic treatment to clients at our waterfront Florida facility. For more information about 12 Keys Rehab, contact us today.