Navigating the Financial Hurdles After Losing Your Business to Addiction

Posted: November 16, 2023

Failing in business is already a tough pill to swallow, but add addiction to the mix and the aftermath can be devastating. Addiction has a way of taking a toll on every aspect of your life, including your finances.

In the article below, courtesy of White Castle Therapy, we’ll explore the mental effects of losing your business to addiction and navigating the financial obstacles that come with it. We discuss how to recognize your problem, tackle debt, and more.

Understanding the Mental Impact

Losing your source of income can easily lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. The Brookings Institution notes that it’s tough to move on when the business you’ve built from scratch slowly slips away. Addiction only amplifies these feelings so that it’s harder to cope with your loss.

It might be difficult, but it’s vital to seek help to manage these negative emotions. Going to therapy, finding a supportive group of friends, or attending a support group can help you deal with the mental aftermath of losing your livelihood to addiction.

Look Into a Rehab Center

The road to recovery begins with acknowledging that you have a problem and making a decision to get help. Mayo Clinic points out that addiction often makes it hard to come to terms with reality, but you must face it head-on.

You may also seek professional help through a rehab center or a support group to confront and overcome addiction. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the struggles of addiction can encourage you and help you stay on the path to recovery.

When locating treatment help as an inpatient, it’s essential to carefully evaluate potential rehab centers. Conduct thorough research to understand the treatment options they provide, their qualifications and certifications, as well as feedback from former patients. If financial concerns are a factor, explore facilities that extend complimentary treatment services covered by Medicaid or local healthcare initiatives.

Writing Out and Managing a Budget

Everyone needs a budget, but it’s especially important after losing a business. Knowing your expenses and income can help you make informed decisions.

Start by creating a list of your fixed expenses (e.g., mortgage payments, car payments, utilities, etc.), and add in estimates for variable expenses like food and entertainment. Once you have put a budget in place, look for areas where you can cut back.

Tackling Debt

If you’re in debt, you may not know where to start when it comes to your plan of attack. Make a list of all your debts, the interest rates, and the minimum payments due each month. With a clear picture of your debt, you can focus on high-interest rate balances first.

One solution is to contact a debt counseling service to help you negotiate a payment plan with creditors. You may also be able to consolidate your debt into one monthly payment at a lower interest rate.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook

Addiction recovery takes time, and it’s easy to fall back into destructive habits. Remember to stay committed to your long-term goals and keep a positive outlook.

It’s helpful to have milestones to work toward, whether it’s paying off a credit card or saving for a future expense. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and build a support system that you can turn to during difficult times.

Losing your business to addiction may feel like the end of the world, but you can move forward and create a new dream with the proper support and tools. Seek help, look into local rehab centers, stay committed to your long-term goals, and remember that recovery takes time. Be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time as you navigate and overcome the financial hurdles ahead.

White Castle Therapy works with you to help you see new perspectives, rewrite the narratives in your life, and discover self-awaren