Ep 48 Struggling to Manage Money In Addiction? Financial Impacts of Alcoholism

Wife On The Rocks I Gaslighting, Addiction, Codependency, Al Anon, Alcoholism, Recovery

Do you dread the holidays because money feels out of control — and no matter how hard you plan, budget, or prepare, something always sabotages your efforts? When you're married to someone struggling with alcoholism, the financial stress of the holiday season hits different. You’re trying to manage Christmas gifts, family events, groceries, travel… all while navigating a spouse who is secretly spending, overspending, or using money to support an addiction.

And because both of you aren’t on the same page, you feel like you're doing something wrong — like if you just budgeted better or tried harder, things would work.

But here’s the truth:

👉 You cannot manage money effectively with someone who is also managing their addiction.

👉 You are not failing — alcoholism is destabilizing the home, not you.

👉 You have very little control over financial chaos caused by drinking.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why holiday money stress is so intense in homes affected by alcoholism

• The emotional shame spiral wives fall into (“Why can’t I fix this?”)

• Why budgeting with an addicted spouse rarely works — and why it’s NOT your fault

• How to release the belief that you’re supposed to “hold it all together”

• A simple truth to anchor in when the financial chaos feels overwhelming

• How understanding lack of shared reality can lift a massive burden off your shoulders

If you’ve ever blamed yourself for financial stress caused by addiction, this episode will help you breathe again.

👉 Questions for the show? Email me at [email protected]

Search: Financial Infidelity, Money Management, Dave Ramsey, Budgeting