Financial stress can put individuals in recovery from substance use disorder at risk for relapse, particularly during early stages of recovery.  This increased risk is due, in part, to financial stress that people in recovery from substance use disorder often encounter.  Through comprehensive financial education training, we can reduce the likelihood of relapse due to financial stress.

To address this concern, the Caldwell County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent taught basic budgeting skills to eleven participants in the local drug court program.  Topics presented included: identifying wants vs needs, creating a spending/savings plan, developing financial goals, and stretching your holiday dollar.  

Participants were asked to complete an evaluation survey following the classes.  Of the survey respondents, 86% are thinking differently about how they manage their money. 100% of survey respondents have set a financial goal or plan to, are tracking their expenses or plan to, and have developed a spending/savings plan or plan to.

The most significant things this group plans to apply as a result of this series include: make a budget and stick to it, open a savings account, use debit/credit wisely, and plan ahead for the holidays. One participant stated, “My goal is to be able to plan for Christmas for my son and future kids.” Another participant said, “I plan to make a budget so there is enough money to pay bills AND save.”   Finally, one other participants stated, “I learned that making a budget and list is beneficial to avoid overspending and buying everything around the holidays.”