How to Recover From Narcissistic Abuse (Without Going Broke or Back to Booze)

Let’s cut the crap. Recovering from narcissistic abuse is not just about journaling, sage-burning, or going no-contact. It’s about rebuilding yourself — mentally, emotionally, and financially. And it starts with a few powerful, unapologetic choices.

I’ve been there. Stuck in a toxic cycle with a narcissistic ex. Manipulated by a narcissistic parent. Then surrounded by the usual support squad: cheap wine, cheap advice, and people who don’t get it.

It’s time to take your power back — and I’m going to show you how.👇

🧠 Step 1: Understand the Mind Games — And Refuse to Play

Narcissists are master manipulators. They don’t just gaslight you into thinking you’re the problem. They often rope you into coping cycles — especially drinking — that keep you stuck.

Ever noticed how toxic people:

• Only want to “reconnect” over drinks?
• Say things like “Oh come on, just one glass — don’t be boring”?
• Suddenly become your best friend when you’re at your worst?

That’s strategic. It’s not love. It’s control.

💥 “Sober Not Sorry” isn’t just a book title. It’s a war cry.

If you’ve been drinking to cope with abuse, manipulation, or stress, it’s time to step back and realise — the alcohol isn’t numbing the pain. It’s deepening it.

🥃 Step 2: Stop Joining in With Manipulative Drinking Patterns

Alcohol is often the narcissist’s secret weapon. It:

• Lowers your guard
• Muffles your intuition
• Makes you feel ashamed the next day — even when they were the problem

Here’s how to break free:

1. Don’t drink around people who trigger you. Ever. You need clarity, not confusion.
2. Get honest about why you drink. Is it social? Or is it survival?
3. Start sober experimenting. You’ll be shocked how much calmer your nervous system becomes after just 7 days alcohol-free.

🧠 Read: [Sober Not Sorry: A Holistic Wellness Guide] — it’s a bite-sized, real-talk approach to quitting alcohol without losing your edge (or your humour).

💸 Step 3: Build Wealth — Even On a Low Income — by Cutting the Crap

Do you know how much money you’re burning to numb your stress?

• £6 wine × 3 bottles/week = £936/year
• Fast food, ready meals = £1,500/year
• Useless subscriptions, emotional spending = £1,000+

That’s over £3,000 per year. Just to stay stuck.

🧨 Imagine putting that into:

• A savings buffer
• A business idea
• A dream holiday
• Emergency fund = freedom fund

🔥 My book How to Build Wealth on a Low Income will show you how to flip your finances without earning six figures. It’s honest, practical, and designed for people who’ve been through some real sh*t — not just latte lectures from rich finance bros.

🧘‍♀️ Step 4: Your Nervous System Needs Safety — Not Stimulation

If you’ve been abused, gaslit, or made to feel “too sensitive,” your nervous system is likely on high alert. Alcohol and toxic relationships keep it there. That means:

• Racing thoughts
• Random health symptoms
• Chronic burnout

Solution? You don’t need a full yoga retreat. You need:

• A bit of peace and silence
• Boundaries that actually mean something
• People who respect your time, energy, and truth

Get comfy with being “the bad guy” in their story. You are not here to be liked. You are here to be free.

🧨 The Truth Bomb You Need

You will not heal in the same room where you were manipulated.

You will not get rich if your self-worth is in the bin.

And you will never reclaim your life while you’re numbing the pain with a bottle.

So here’s your new mantra:

“Fuck your gaslighting. Fuck your wine nights. Fuck your guilt trips. I’m building a better life now — and you don’t get to come.”

✨ Your Recovery Toolkit

🧠 Read the Books:

• [Sober Not Sorry] – Quit drinking without the drama
• [How to Build Wealth on a Low Income] – Real money strategies that work, even if you’re broke and broken

🎯 Start a Recovery Journal

Write what’s real. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.

💰 Track Every Penny

Wealth = boundaries with money. Start with not giving it to the wine aisle.

🛑 Don’t Just Go No Contact — Go No Bullshit

That means blocking, unfollowing, and deleting anyone who:

• Lies
• Guilt-trips
• Triggers you
• Makes you feel like crap

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken — You’re Breaking Free

Recovery isn’t neat. It’s not cute. It’s not always “love and light.”

Sometimes it’s rage, tears, and empty wine bottles that you never want to see again.

But when you say “No more” — to abuse, alcohol, and all the cheap distractions — you unlock something extraordinary:

Your power.

And guess what?

You’re not just recovering.

You’re rising.