Living the high life
Sometimes things can go wrong. If you find yourself spending more than you're earning, getting into debt is inevitable.
It’s important to deal with it before you feel it is getting out of control. Where is your money going?
Drinking
If you like socialising, it’s easy to find yourself in a pub or bar every night. It can eat away at your money and it’s not good for your health.
Consider the reasons you are spending so much money on alcohol, so that you can look at alternative solutions. If it’s for social reasons, why not find other ways to catch up with friends, such as going to each other’s houses, going to the cinema or going to the gym? If you find it difficult to avoid pubs and bars, try to save money by buying your own drinks instead of getting into rounds. Get a pint of water instead of beer every few drinks. Share a bottle of wine with a friend, instead of buying cocktails.
If you think your drinking is a problem, then we urge you to seek professional help.
Drugs
If you’re spending money on drugs, you need to take a step back and look at your situation.
Why are you taking drugs? Drugs give us a high. They stimulate the brain by releasing endorphins. You can create the same effect naturally, by behaviour like laughing, exercising and listening to music.
Drugs can harm yourself and the people in your life. If you think you might have a problem, you need to take control before it escalates into a serious issue.
If drugs are adversely affecting your finances or quality of life, then you should seek professional help.
Gambling
If you find it difficult to resist gambling, then you could have a problem. Gambling is an addiction that can cause debt and problems in other parts of life, from work to your relationships.
People with gambling problems often think they can solve their mounting debt by continuing to gamble, in the belief that there is a big win just around the corner. Small wins along the way reinforce this belief. But realistically, there isn't a fortune due just because you've already invested so much money into it.
If you feel that you depend on gambling, you need to understand how the system works and that you are being exploited. You will not win. Get back in control by seeking help.
Retail therapy can be just as addictive and problematic as drugs, alcohol and gambling. If you are racking up a massive debt on your credit cards, you need to consider whether you’re addicted to shopping and whether it’s causing you financial problems.
Keep a record of your spending and review where it’s going. If you think you should curb the amount that goes on shopping, try to find other ways to entertain yourself than wandering through the stores.
Do you have a problem?
Have you ever:
- tried to hide the amount of money you spend on your habit?
- missed work due to drugs, alcohol or gambling?
- been sensitive about your habit when people ask you about it?
- found the amount of money you spend on your habit has a tendency to increase?
- turned to drugs, alcohol, gambling or shopping to escape or change the way you are feeling?
- felt depressed following a drinking, drug, gambling or shopping session?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may benefit from talking to a counselling or advisory centre.
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