Financial stress can put individuals in recovery from substance use disorder at risk for relapse, particularly during the early stages of recovery. This increased risk is due, in part, to the financial stress that people in recovery from substance use disorder often encounter. Through comprehensive financial education training, we can expand the capacity of recovery centers and other partners in the community that works with individuals in recovery thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse.

To address this concern, the Jessamine County Cooperative Extension Service utilized the Recovering Your Finances curriculum to help build financial capacity for those in recovery and thereby improve the efficacy of substance use recovery programs. Topics presented include budgeting and credit. The program was taught at the Shepherd's House in Nicholasville, KY on September 13th, 2022, September 20th, 2022, September 27th, 2022, and October 4th, 2022. We had nine participants at session one, seven participants at session two, five participants at session three, and six participants at session four.

Participants were asked to complete an evaluation survey following the classes. Over the series, there was a 100% response rate per class. Of each class' survey respondents, 86% indicated they increased their understanding of how to prepare a personal budget; 100% indicated they learned to identify factors that affect the cost of credit; 67% better know how to improve a credit score over time.

Survey results indicate respondents were receptive to behavior change. Of each class' respondents, 100% plan to consider wants and needs before spending; 100% plan to request a free credit report annually to review it for accuracy; 100% plan to create a written budget.

One participant took the Recovering Your Finances classes back in the Spring and shared at the first session that she had improved her credit score from the 500s to the 600s as a result of what she learned in the program.