For many years, there has been the idea that a person must hit “rock bottom” before seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. The idea that someone needs to hit their lowest point before recognizing they need help may not be helpful–or accurate.
“Hitting rock bottom” is an expression that many people–addicted people, addiction specialists, and others–use to describe the point of addiction where it can’t seem to get any worse. There is no concrete definition of what “rock bottom” means, and every person has their own definition. For some, it may mean facing legal problems, divorce, or job loss. For others, it could mean experiencing devastating harm to their mental or physical health.
This article will explore the idea of hitting rock bottom, some potential problems of this phrase, and how to seek addiction treatment when you need it. Reach out to the PAX Memphis Recovery specialists to explore our holistic addiction treatment programs and find support during any stage of your recovery.
What Does It Mean to Hit Rock Bottom?
The expression “hitting rock bottom” has been around for years. Many people attribute this phrase to Alcoholics Anonymous, where group leaders and members may use this phrase to describe reaching the lowest point of their lives with addiction.
“Hitting rock bottom” describes the idea that a person has lost something significant or faces severe consequences of their addiction. For many, hitting rock bottom is a wake-up call to finally seek treatment. Some examples of “hitting rock bottom” may include:
- Getting arrested
- Receiving a DUI
- Losing custody of children
- Hurting yourself or others by causing an accident
- Getting fired from a job
- Losing an important position in the community
- Spending all of your savings
- Losing a home
- Receiving a significant health diagnosis related to substance use
Hitting rock bottom doesn’t mean the same thing to every person. Any major event that causes harm, embarrassment, a significant life change, or leads others to lose trust or respect for someone could be considered hitting rock bottom.
Do People Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Get Help?
Often, drug and alcohol addiction develops in stages. People may begin to use a substance out of curiosity, as a prescription, to fit in, or to dull physical or emotional pain. Over time, they may develop tolerance, meaning they need to take higher or more frequent doses of the substance to get the desired effects. Soon, their body may create a dependence on the drug. Addiction is the final stage, where a person loses control over their substance use.
You do not have to hit rock bottom to seek addiction treatment. In fact, people are more likely to complete treatment and maintain sobriety if they seek treatment earlier in their substance abuse instead of waiting for more time to pass.
Sometimes, the idea of needing to hit rock bottom can keep people in denial about the severity of their substance abuse. Addicted people or their loved ones may believe that substance abuse isn’t truly a problem until the person does something life-threatening or faces devastating consequences. People may say things like:
- I still have a roof over my head, so it can’t be that bad
- I’m still married, so my substance abuse isn’t really a problem
- I’ve never gotten a DUI, so I must be in control of my substance use
- My boss hasn’t fired me yet, so it’s still OK for me to keep using/drinking
Some people may also believe they cannot seek treatment until substance abuse is a significant problem.
But the truth is that you can seek treatment before facing severe consequences. The longer you wait, the more likely your addiction will spiral out of control and become more challenging to overcome.
Recognizing Addiction Before You Hit Rock Bottom
You can be addicted to drugs or alcohol without hitting rock bottom. More importantly, you can face devastating complications from your substance abuse without ever having an attention-grabbing event related to your substance use.
Drug and alcohol abuse can alter how your brain and body function, making it difficult to stop using or drinking when you want to. Your physical and mental health suffer. You lose opportunities. You may have cognitive and physical difficulties that develop slowly over time and change the course of your life.
It’s important not to wait until you hit rock bottom to seek addiction treatment. Recognizing the signs of addiction can help you get help sooner.
Some of the signs of substance abuse and addiction include:
- Using drugs and alcohol to dull physical or emotional pain
- Needing to use more of the substance to get the desired effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the substance
- Neglecting your relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities at home, school, or work
- Getting into legal or financial trouble because of your substance use
- Changes in your sleep, appetite, and appearance
- Feeling like you want to stop using the substance but finding it nearly impossible to do so
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using a substance
- Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
If you or someone you love exhibits these behaviors, don’t wait for the addiction to progress before seeking treatment. Get comprehensive treatment as soon as possible.
Get Help Now
You don’t have to hit rock bottom before asking for the help you need. Addiction treatment can help you regain control over your health and the direction of your life. Contact the specialists at PAX Memphis Recovery today to explore our holistic treatment programs and find the right kind of support to help you reach your goals.