Money & financial recovery~15 minRelapse preventionFinancial counseling
Protecting my money (and my recovery)
Plan for the money moments that trigger urges — payday, cash, a bonus, a tax refund — and set up guardrails.
Money in hand can be a powerful trigger: studies have found drug-related hospital visits rise right after monthly benefit checks arrive (Dobkin & Puller). Guardrails — less cash, automatic bills, a trusted person who can see your account — buy time when urges hit.
Don't type account numbers, card numbers, PINs or passwords here — rough amounts and names are all you need.
1. Money moments that are risky for me
Check any that apply
2. What has happened before in those moments
3. Guardrails I'll set up
Check any that apply
4. My plan if I get a big amount of money at once
Many people in early recovery ask someone they trust to help them hold or plan for a windfall.
5. My money accountability person
6. My payday routine
Straight to the bank, pay rent, then my meeting, then dinner with Sam.