Money - The root of all evil

Money is good. One needs money to survive. Money can be used for therapists, rent, food, gas, coffee, amends, etc. All of those are good things and reasons why one needs money to survive. But, what happens when money becomes more than something to help you live comfortably? What happens when money becomes more than something to help you meet your basic needs?

Many addicts that I’ve seen come into sobriety and get a simple job that provides them with a steady paycheck. Over time many addicts learn how to use their funds responsibly. However, I’ve also seen individuals in early sobriety start to use money as their higher power.

Why can money be detrimental in sobriety? Money can bring out character defects such as gluttony, greed, self-centeredness, and selfishness. This can be extremely dangerous especially if someone hasn’t had a chance to work on themselves.  Money can be a huge distraction because it can often give an individual a high very similar to drug use. Instead of focusing on their health and program they can easily get distracted in chasing the high that money gives you. But, just like a tolerance is developed with drugs, a tolerance can be developed with money too. Over time people who chase that high that money brings need more and more money to get the same feeling they did when they first started acquiring it. Money can fill that void that many addicts have been filling with drugs for so long.  In turn, when the money runs out they’re left just as empty as they were when the drugs were gone.  

Many times I’ve seen people meet their immediate goal and get more money, but over time lose sight of their ultimate goal…staying sober. They stop going to meetings, stop reaching out, and stop working a program. So, when they get tired of buying new things or when the money runs out, they realize that the void is still inside them and turn back to their only solution… drugs.  And, why did they get the job in the first place? Usually, to provide them with a little structure or rent to help them stay sober and away from drugs.  

Everyone feels good with a little money in their pocket but, addicts have to be extremely careful because too much of a good thing can lead to relapse. Money’s good in moderation but too much money can ruin one’s life.  It’s all about balance. In my experience money can never provide long term happiness.