Finding Support: Institutions for Managing Financial Addiction in Taiwan

Q: Finding Support: Institutions for Managing Financial Addiction in Taiwan

Hello, regarding your concerns： During a manic episode, it is indeed possible for individuals to engage in excessive shopping and spending. <br>The focus of your message seems to be more about behavioral issues rather than the illness itself. <br>In today's society, many young pe

How to improve this situation?

A friend called to say that his younger brother is constantly borrowing money recklessly with credit cards, not just from one bank but also taking out small loans under thirty thousand.
His mobile phone bills are also over two to three thousand.
Their rural family cannot afford this kind of alternative high consumption.
They want to send his brother to a rehabilitation facility.
His brother is about 30 years old.
Could you please advise if there are any such facilities for containment and rehabilitation? Please provide information on facilities located north of Taoyuan.
Thank you.

Shangnaojin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/05/16

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry

Hello, regarding your concerns: During a manic episode, it is indeed possible for individuals to engage in excessive shopping and spending.
The focus of your message seems to be more about behavioral issues rather than the illness itself.
In today's society, many young people hold questionable beliefs, such as viewing borrowing money as a noble act.
They often fail to assess their own financial capabilities while desiring a high-quality material lifestyle, which can ultimately lead to financial ruin and legal issues.
How can this be improved? There are numerous places to obtain money, and borrowing is quite easy; borrowers often seek immediate gratification.
With the influence of media, peers, individuals, and society, making improvements is genuinely challenging.
As for the idea that borrowing money could lead to loss of freedom, that seems unreasonable unless a legal judgment mandates incarceration.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2005/05/16

More Info

In Taiwan, financial addiction, often characterized by compulsive spending and borrowing, can significantly impact individuals and their families. Your friend's brother's situation, where he is excessively using credit cards and taking out loans beyond his means, is a serious concern that may require professional intervention. Fortunately, there are institutions and resources available in Taiwan that can help manage financial addiction and provide support for individuals struggling with this issue.

1. Counseling Centers: Many local health departments and community health centers offer counseling services for individuals dealing with financial addiction. These centers can provide psychological support and financial counseling to help individuals understand their spending habits and develop healthier financial behaviors.

2. Debt Counseling Services: Non-profit organizations such as the Taiwan Debt Relief Association (台灣債務救助協會) offer services to help individuals manage their debts. They provide financial education, budgeting assistance, and negotiation with creditors to help individuals regain control over their finances.

3. Mental Health Facilities: Some mental health facilities in Taiwan specialize in treating behavioral addictions, including financial addiction. These facilities may offer inpatient or outpatient programs that combine therapy with financial education. It's essential to look for facilities that have experience in treating compulsive behaviors.

4. Support Groups: Support groups can be beneficial for individuals struggling with financial addiction. Organizations like Debtors Anonymous (DA) have groups that meet regularly to provide support and share experiences. While DA is more common in Western countries, similar support groups may exist in Taiwan, often facilitated by local mental health organizations.

5. Financial Literacy Programs: Many community organizations and educational institutions offer financial literacy programs that teach budgeting, saving, and responsible credit use. These programs can empower individuals to make informed financial decisions and avoid falling into the cycle of debt.

6. Government Resources: The Taiwanese government has various programs aimed at financial education and consumer protection. The Financial Supervisory Commission (金融監督管理委員會) provides resources and information on managing personal finances, understanding credit, and avoiding predatory lending practices.

7. Private Rehabilitation Centers: If the situation is severe and requires more structured intervention, there are private rehabilitation centers that focus on behavioral addictions, including financial addiction. These centers often provide comprehensive treatment plans that include therapy, education, and support.

For your friend's brother, it may be beneficial to start with a consultation at a local counseling center or a debt counseling service. They can assess his situation and recommend appropriate steps, whether that involves therapy, financial education, or more intensive treatment options.

In terms of specific institutions, here are a few suggestions for facilities and organizations in northern Taiwan:
- Taipei City Mental Health Center (台北市精神健康中心): They provide mental health services, including counseling for behavioral issues.

- Taiwan Debt Relief Association (台灣債務救助協會): They offer debt counseling and financial education services.

- Taipei City Government Department of Health (台北市政府衛生局): They can provide information on local resources and support services.

- National Taiwan University Hospital (台灣大學醫學院附設醫院): They have a psychiatry department that may offer services related to behavioral addictions.

It is crucial for your friend's family to approach this situation with understanding and support, as financial addiction can often be linked to underlying emotional or psychological issues. Seeking professional help is a positive step towards recovery and financial stability.

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