Research has shown that the cost of living crisis is having a devastating effect on many families across the UK. Through Adfam’s work to support families coping with a loved one’s substance misuse, we  know that financial problems are a consistent issue. Recent research by Adfam found that a quarter of families affected by substance use considered themselves to be financially disadvantaged. Adfam wanted to uncover therefore, how families coping with both the impact of drug and alcohol problems and the cost-of-living crisis, are faring. The impact of addiction on family finances are multiple even without a cost-of-living crisis. Someone with a drug or alcohol problem can struggle to find or keep a job, or may spend their money problematically, becoming unable to look after themselves or contribute to the family financially. There is often then a ripple effect – some family members stepping up to care for a loved one can find the responsibility leads to increased costs along with frequent absences from work, or that they struggle to concentrate or perform as well as they used to. In many instances alcohol and drug use is a considerable financial cost itself, with some families also paying substantial costs for their loved one’s private treatment.