National Recovery Month: How Cash Supports the Road to Recovery
By: Gwen Battis
Every September, National Recovery Month reminds us of the resilience it takes to overcome addiction. It’s a moment to celebrate the courage of those walking the path of recovery, to support families and communities, and to take a closer look at the systems that either help or stand in the way.
At the Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP), we’ve seen something powerful: when people have access to unconditional cash, it doesn’t just stabilize housing or ease day-to-day struggles—it can also open the door to recovery.
Breaking Down Misconceptions
A common worry about giving people cash is that it will be misused on drugs or alcohol. But the evidence just doesn’t support that fear. In DBIP’s first year, participants did not increase their spending on illegal substances or alcohol after receiving cash. Instead, they spent it on food, rent, transportation—basic needs that make recovery possible.
This matches what other pilots have shown. In Stockton’s guaranteed income program, participants used their stipends to cover bills, food, and household needs. In Chelsea, Massachusetts, people who received monthly cash had 87% fewer emergency department visits for substance use and better access to care.
The story is consistent: when people are trusted with cash, they make choices that support stability and health.
Poverty, Addiction, and the Cycle of Instability
Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s deeply connected to poverty, homelessness, and trauma. When someone is constantly choosing between food, transportation, or a safe place to sleep, recovery can feel out of reach. The daily stress of not having enough creates triggers that make staying sober harder.
Even when treatment services are available, poverty still creates barriers. Co-pays, medications, childcare, and time off work can make it nearly impossible to focus on recovery. Without stable income, the cycle of poverty and addiction reinforces itself.
Cash as a Tool for Recovery
That’s where guaranteed income comes in. Cash gives people the breathing room to focus on their health and recovery instead of constant survival.
We’ve seen participants use their stipends to:
Pay for transportation to health-related appointments
Afford medications or counseling sessions
Stabilize housing, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing
Rebuild a sense of trust and independence, which is just as important as the treatment itself
Guaranteed income isn’t a cure-all for addiction, but it changes the conditions. It allows people to move from crisis mode into recovery mode.
Building on the Evidence
At DBIP, nearly half of our participants (49.3%) report having a disability, many tied to chronic illness, trauma, or substance use. Our findings line up with a broader body of research, including a systematic review of guaranteed income programs that showed cash transfers improve health outcomes, including behavioral health.
Programs like the Ulster County Project Resilience have also shown gains in mental health, housing stability, and quality of life. Stability is what recovery needs to take root—and cash provides it.
One participant commented,
“Something as simple as $500 a month…. changes the mindset a little bit. People can breathe a little bit more. They’re like, OK, well, I have a little bit of flexibility. I can do this. I can get back on track. It gives them hope.”
This September, as we honor National Recovery Month, we celebrate the strength of those who are rebuilding their lives. At the same time, we recognize that recovery is not just about treatment or willpower—it’s about creating the right conditions for people to succeed.
Cash is one of the simplest and most powerful tools we have to help break the cycle of poverty and addiction. And with trust, dignity, and support, recovery becomes not just possible, but sustainable.
