Financial Acumen Improves After Financial Literacy Training in Individuals With Substance Use Disorder

• Published in: OTJR (Thorofare, N.J.) Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 296 - 302
• Main Authors: Valdes, Kristin, Lunsford, Dianna, Castelli, Jennifer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-04-2023
• Subjects: Health Literacy; Humans; Male; Substance-Related Disorders; education; instrumental activities of daily living; vulnerable populations; occupational justice; community-based rehabilitation
• ISSN: 1539-4492; 1938-2383
• DOI: 10.1177/15394492221101846

Financial literacy is a skill that may be affected by decreased cognitive processes that arise from substance use disorder. The aim of this mixed-methods study was to determine change in financial acumen after participating in a financial literacy program. Study participants were recruited from a drug and alcohol treatment center in the Southeastern United States. A total of 31 males participated. A t-test was conducted to compare the scores on the financial tests. There was a significant difference between the financial literacy pretest (M = 74, SD = 13.58) and posttest (M = 84, SD = 10.50) scores; t(30) = −3.14, p = .003. Categories that emerged when participants were asked how the information would help manage their finances included: goal setting, saving, and understanding financial institutions. This study “provides preliminary evidence” that supports financial literacy program for this population and indicates that occupational therapy is a profession suited to do so.