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The Rock Bottom Myth

Does Someone Need to Hit Rock Bottom Before Seeking Addiction Treatment?

There is a belief that addicts need to hit rock bottom before they'll agree to get help. Sometimes families use this belief to soothe themselves when they're worried about a loved one. You may have even told yourself this if you're concerned about a family member who uses drugs or alcohol.

Addicts may also use the rock bottom idea to continue to use. They may tell themselves that they'll quit once they hit this point.

The fact is that this is a myth. It also creates several problems for both the addict and his or her family. It's important to understand why there is never a reason to wait for this time to occur.

The Rock Bottom Myth

What Does it Mean to Hit Rock Bottom?

Most people consider this to be a time where there is no way out, except recovery. It is thought of as the lowest time in a person's life. At that point, it's very difficult for an addict to come to the realization that they need help for addiction. They may do so reluctantly, and without much motivation.

What Life Events Can Lead to Hitting Rock Bottom?

One of the problems with this myth is that it doesn't have a concrete definition. It's something that is going to be different for everyone who experiences it. Most individuals agree that they consider it to be when certain life events have occurred. The following are some good examples:

  • Losing an important relationship
  • Getting arrested, or having other legal problems
  • Getting evicted
  • Having severe financial problems
  • Experiencing serious health problems
  • Losing a job
  • Losing a dear friend

The Risk of Believing This Dangerous Myth

It isn't that hitting rock bottom isn't real. It is very real, and thousands of addicts hit it every single day. The issue is that it's not necessary to come to that place before getting help.

There are actually a lot of risks involved with believing that someone must reach the lowest point before getting help. Most people who believe this myth to be true think that they're doing the right thing. However, it causes a lot of problems for the person with the addiction.

Advice for Those With Addictions Waiting to Hit the Lowest Point

It's understandable that you have a hard time admitting that you need help. It's probably the hardest decision you will ever make. However, if you're waiting for rock bottom to arrive, you're wasting so much precious time.

What is your lowest point? How do you know that your definition of it won't change as soon as you come to that place? These are questions you need to consider.

The best thing you can do for yourself at this moment is to get help. If you're an addict, you need to act right now. You'll save yourself so much physical and emotional pain by not waiting.

Advice for Families of Addicts

Up until now, it may have seemed easier to turn a blind eye to the addiction. It isn't that you don't care. It's that you honestly didn't believe your loved one would get help until there was no other choice. Please know that you don't have to wait until then, nor should you.

You may want to begin by having a conversation with your family member. He or she could be waiting for you to bring it up because they don't know how to ask for help. If that doesn't work, you should consider having an intervention. This may be the best way to save your loved one's life.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Can Change Everything

Perhaps you've been waiting for your lowest point to come, and now, you realize how harmful that is. If so, you're certainly not alone. You need to know that there's no need for you to wait any longer. Each day you wait is a day lost that you could spend in recovery.

At Northpoint Washington, we offer the best alcohol and drug treatment program in the region. We know exactly how to address your addiction at the root of it. This means that your chances for recovery are higher. Whether you're at the end of your rope, or you've been waiting to be, help is available for you now.

Have you hit rock bottom? You need help. Please contact us.