While everybody knows there are dangers with long-term heavy drinking, the financial cost of alcoholism can also add up quickly. Not only are alcoholic drinks themselves expensive, but there are a lot of side-effects of drinking that can hurt your wallet. For example, many times, alcohol abuse and irresponsible spending go hand in hand. In addition, you might find yourself in legal trouble if you are caught drinking and driving. This can lead to significant legal fees as well as other costs. And finally, the medical issues that go hand in hand with heavy drinking can be incredibly expensive, as well as deadly. All in all, the cost of alcoholism is high in every regard. It can cost you relationships, your health, and also your money.
The Financial Cost of Alcoholism: Reasons to Get Sober
Alcohol Prices
The most obvious financial cost of alcoholism is the price of the alcohol itself. Alcohol isn’t a cheap habit to have, and drinks can add up quickly. Especially if you are paying bar prices. Even if you drink at home, liquor, wine, and other drinks can be very expensive. What’s more, many alcoholics have relationship woes because of all the money spent on drinks. The subsequent hiding and lying can cause further hurt.
Irresponsible Spending
Another financial cost of alcoholism comes from the irresponsible spending that often accompanies heavy drinking. Drinking lowers your inhibitions, so you might be more likely to spend money where you’d otherwise be frugal. This might be offering to purchase drinks for other people, ordering more and more expensive drinks, or even online shopping.
Legal Trouble
Heavy alcohol use also sometimes goes hand in hand with legal trouble. The financial cost of alcoholism can rack up quickly if you find yourself with a DWI. The legal fees alone can cost you thousands, not to mention the increase in your insurance costs. If you are responsible for a wreck, you might also be on the hook for medical expenses for victims of damage to cars.
Medical Issues
Finally, one last way that the financial cost of alcoholism can increase is because of the medical problems associated with drinking. Heavy long-term drinking can lead to many health problems. Among them are heart issues, strokes, increase risk of cancer, and damage to internal organs. All of these serious medical issues can cost you many thousands of dollars. Even with health insurance, the cost of alcohol-related medical care can be astronomical.
The financial cost of alcoholism is just one of many ways that heavy drinking can harm your life. Aside from the price of drinks, you also might be more likely to spend money irresponsibly. If you are caught driving under the influence, your arrest and court appearance can cost you thousands. And finally, the medical issues that alcoholism can lead to can cripple you in debt. Getting help for your alcoholism is the only way to get clean. Rehabilitation might seem pricey in the short term, but the long-term benefits of getting sober will wind up saving you tons of money. And not only that, you’ll probably see a lot of improvement in your relationships, health, and overall happiness. So don’t let alcoholism cost you everything from your finances to your life. Reach out to get the support you need to get clean and sober.
