In today’s changing economy, personal struggles like addiction are having profound financial consequences. In a recent webinar, NAIFA Florida President Cheryl Canzanella, owner of Coastal Life Strategies and a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry, explored how the opioid epidemic is impacting families’ emotional and financial well-being—and what advisors can do to help.
The numbers are staggering: addiction costs the U.S. economy $1.5 trillion annually and affects 150 million people—nearly 45% of the population. Opioids alone claim the lives of roughly 200 Americans each day. Beyond the health crisis, the financial fallout includes lost careers, diminished assets, and long-term instability.
Canzanella urged financial professionals to recognize the ripple effects of addiction on clients and their communities. “This is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a financial planning issue,” she noted. With 80% of opioid users starting with prescription painkillers, the crisis is closer to home than many advisors realize.
She emphasized the need for financial professionals to build networks that go beyond traditional services—connecting clients with legal, therapeutic, and recovery resources. By acknowledging the human side of financial challenges, advisors can build stronger, more empathetic relationships.
The opioid epidemic affects more than individuals—it touches families, workplaces, and entire industries. Advisors who understand this dynamic can play a key role in helping clients regain both emotional and financial stability.
Also see story in Think Advisor magazine.