Episode 17: Addiction, Escape, and Expense — The Money-Mind Connection
Series: Broken by Burden: Financial Survival Strategies for the Troubled Mind
Date: 03 July 2025
🔗 “When life becomes unbearable, we reach for anything that numbs the pain — even if it costs us everything.”
Mahesh, a 42-year-old small business owner from Lucknow, once prided himself on running a tight operation. But after a series of unexpected losses — a failed tender, a partner betrayal, and a devastating lockdown — his financial foundation collapsed.
At first, it was just a peg of whiskey every night — “to relax.” Then came small bets on online rummy apps — “to win something back.” Later, when the anxiety grew too big and creditors began circling, Mahesh’s escapes became rituals. His nights were spent drunk and his mornings in guilt. His bank account dropped to four digits. His wife left with the children. And Mahesh was still chasing relief — at the cost of everything that actually mattered.
He wasn’t chasing happiness.
He was running from helplessness.
🧠 Why Financial Trauma Breeds Addiction
When someone experiences prolonged financial distress, they don’t just lose money — they lose control. And the human mind, when overwhelmed, seeks refuge in:
- Alcohol
- Gambling
- Excessive online shopping
- Substance use
- Compulsive eating
- Even toxic relationships
These become temporary escapes — not for pleasure, but for numbness.
“I don’t want to feel like a failure tonight.”
“Let me forget my loans for a few hours.”
“I deserve something, anything… even if it’s bad for me.”
🔍 The Hidden Cycle of Addiction-Driven Financial Collapse
- Financial loss or hardship
- Stress, shame, and isolation
- Coping through addictive behavior
- Increased spending or self-destruction
- More guilt, more secrecy, deeper isolation
- Further financial ruin — and health deterioration
It becomes a loop — where money fuels addiction, and addiction destroys money.
💣 What Addiction Costs Financially and Emotionally
- Savings vanish without accountability
- Debt multiplies, as funds are redirected from essentials
- Trust breaks in families, marriages, and friendships
- Health deteriorates, increasing medical expenses
- Self-worth collapses, making recovery feel impossible
It’s not a lack of willpower — it’s a cry for help.
💡 How to Reclaim Control — One Honest Step at a Time
1. Acknowledge the link between emotion and expense.
“I’m not weak. I’m wounded — and I’ve been soothing pain the only way I knew how.” Recognize that addiction is not a financial problem — it’s an emotional one with financial consequences.
2. Track the pattern without judgment.
- When do you spend, drink, or escape?
- What are you feeling before and after?
Awareness weakens the pattern’s grip.
3. Start micro-interventions.
- Replace one habit: A drink with herbal tea
- Replace one app: A betting site with a meditation app
- Replace one response: Gambling urge with a 10-minute walk
Each small win builds emotional muscle.
4. Seek community-based help.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and local mental health groups offer support — often free of cost.
- Many temples, NGOs, and online forums offer judgment-free support. You are not alone.
5. Build a positive accountability loop.
Find a person who can:
- Check in on you weekly
- Celebrate clean days
- Remind you of your bigger purpose
🌱 Mahesh’s Recovery Road
One morning, after waking up next to a pile of empty bottles and a zero-balance alert from his bank, Mahesh whispered to himself, “This is not who I want to be.”
He called his cousin — and cried.
Then he walked to a nearby temple, confessed everything, and joined a local recovery circle.
The progress was slow. There were relapses. But Mahesh is now 8 months sober and runs a chai stall with dignity.
His wealth today is not in notes — but in clarity, connection, and clean mornings.
💬 To You, If You’re Struggling Silently
You are not broken.
You are human.
And like all humans, you hurt.
But that pain can be healed — without self-harm.
Let today be the day you speak.
Let this episode be your mirror — and your turning point.
You deserve peace. You deserve healing. You deserve your life back.
🔜 Next Episode Teaser:
Episode 18: The Lies We Tell to Survive Financially
We’ll explore the half-truths and silent deceptions we use to hide financial struggles — from others, and even from ourselves — and how to return to radical honesty and authentic living.
Disclaimer:
This blog series is intended for informational, motivational, and emotional support purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing overwhelming financial stress, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts, please seek help from a certified financial advisor, counsellor, or licensed therapist. If you are in immediate danger or crisis, contact a mental health helpline or emergency service in your area.
The stories presented here are inspired by real experiences but may be anonymized or adapted for narrative clarity. Readers are encouraged to make decisions based on their unique circumstances and to consult appropriate professionals. The author and publisher disclaim any responsibility for actions taken based on this content.
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