Hi there. I am seeking some feedback on how to help someone who is dually addicted to alcohol and crack. Their payday is coming up shortly and to have money in their bank account is a huge trigger to use. If anyone could provide suggestions on how to help someone deal with such a situation and their compulsive behaviors to use very early on in recovery I would be most appreciative.
Only way I know is share my own experience, strength and hope with them then step back, Trust God, clean my own house and go help another addicted person who wants the help. Hopefully what I have to give is honest and short.
Keep caring and turning it over. (((((hugs)))))
-- Edited by Jerry F on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 01:11:49 PM
It's not unusual for someone who is early recovery, to get someone to help them with their finances (read manage their money) for them, but they have to ask someone to do it and be willing to hand the check book over to them. A couple of self help ideas are set up direct deposit of the paycheck from the employer. Then cut up the ATM card, that way the person will have to go into a bank (while it's open) to withdraw cash, because dealers don't take visa The time and trouble it takes to get to the cash will hopefully outlast the urge to use.
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 04:40:11 PM
Thanks for the feedback everyone, I appreciate it. I also found some good information on a gambling website. The gambling addiction appears to have the exact same symptoms of obsessing about the payday, then blowing it all once the money arrives. The only way form some of them to handle it was to get help from someone by turning their finances over to them for a number of months so they could get their feet firmly planted in recovery before gradually taking back control of their finances.
We have set up a similar plan where by bills are paid first, then groceries and smokes, then a small amount of pocket money for coffee. I will hold whats left over with an agreement (receipt we both sign) to give the rest the finances a week later to pay for groceries, smokes, etc.
Will see how it works out, but this seems the best shot right now in early sobriety/clean.
" I also found some good information on a gambling website. The gambling addiction appears to have the exact same symptoms of obsessing about the payday, then blowing it all once the money arrives. The only way form some of them to handle it was to get help from someone by turning their finances over to them for a number of months so they could get their feet firmly planted in recovery before gradually taking back control of their finances."
That is very good. How true that the addiction behaviors are duplicate regardless what the addiction source actually is.
The time and trouble it takes to get to the cash will hopefully outlast the urge to use.