The Toll Alcohol Can Have on Your Finances
Alcohol addiction can have devastating consequences on nearly every aspect of your life including your health, your relationships and your finances. Many people fail to see how much that alcohol dependence affects your overall financial well-being.
- Purchasing alcohol. Alcohol in and of itself is expensive. Excessive drinking can cost a couple of hundred dollars per month if not more. Alcohol is also heavily taxed, adding to the already high cost.
- Loss of job. Heavy drinking can also cause you to lose your job or be unable to maintain steady employment. If you cannot get to work on time or are unable to perform your job, you will likely not remain employed for long. Alcohol can have a direct impact on your ability to perform daily tasks and remain employed.
- Health risks. Excessive alcohol consumption can result in a significant increase in your health care costs. Heavy drinking can negatively impact nearly every major organ in your body. You may be putting yourself at an increased risk for cancer, obesity, liver disease, heart attack or stroke.
- Poor Decision Making. Heavy drinking or binge drinking generally increases your risk for making poor choices. Whether you are making poor food choices when you are intoxicated, losing your wallet or spending beyond on your means. Alcohol can greatly increase the chance that you are spending money that otherwise you may not.
- Drunk Driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can affect your freedom and your wallet. If you are convicted of a DUI, it could cost you over $10,000 after attorney’s fees, court costs, increase in insurance and alcohol program requirements.
Excessive drinking takes a toll on everyone. Whether it is their finances, their freedom or their family, no one gets out unscathed. If you believe that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, get help immediately.
