Economic Insecurity Revisited

"If we are painstaking about this phase of our development ... [f]ear of people and economic insecurity will leave us." (pp. 83-84)

The addict examined this promise last week and wondered if it could be true. Can a person really escape the fear of economic insecurity?

The addict asked because he was feeling a great deal of economic insecurity in his life. Bills have been mounting up and fixed expenses (including debt maintenance) have started to outstrip income.

But in the past week the addict and his spouse have taken action. Together they have come up with a proactive plan to reduce debt and restructure finances. This plan was created in tandem, with no arguments, threats, or blame.

The addict and his family will sell their current house and use some of the equity in the house to reduce debt. The consequence will be living in a smaller home with less stuff. But what a trade -- roominess, stuff, debt, and anxiety for coziness, simplicity, and peace of mind. And a good set of lessons for the children, too.

So maybe there is something to losing fear of economic insecurity. Perhaps economic insecurity can be experienced and acknowledged without having to be feared.


meanwhile ...


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The addict feels a prisoner to his addiction. He fears to go to the office each day because he cannot seem to resist his triggers. Things go well at home and there is real progress in the addict's growth ... but the addiction seems to be as debilitating as ever.

The addict is powerless over his behavior. He cannot manage his life. The addict needs help every day. The addict still needs to learn how to ask for and accept help.

How can one person be so powerless??

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So the life of an addict continues. Ups and downs. New insights and old pains. New strengths. Ongoing helplessness.

Hang in there, addict!