This may be harsh, but allow me to offer a comparison (apt or not) :
Let's say you have a friend who is into drugs. Hardcore drugs. Drugs that are ruining their life. And they ask you for money for "food, rent, a few essentials, a few needs."
And then they go and spend their money on drugs.
So, they ask you again "I swear, this money will be spent on food, rent, utilities...things I need."
And they go out and use that money on more drugs.
Eventually, you stop enabling that person - for both your own mental health and to teach them that you cannot be used in that way. Even if you love them, there comes a time when you have to say 'no'. You realize that without showing you some real, serious change for a long period of time (to prove they have the will power and desire to do it), you cannot give them money. And even when they do show that improvement, you would be perfectly within your right to ask for receipts to the items they purchased to prove that's what the money was spent on, or even to buy it for them, or go with them to buy it.
That's how I feel about Lou at this point. And I know it may be harsh.