For some people, occasional alcohol and drug abuse can quickly progress to complete dependency, and suddenly, nothing is more important than getting drunk or high. Although those who are addicted often make excuses for why they don’t need treatment, reaching rock bottom is generally the tipping point that drives them to take action.
While not everyone must reach rock bottom before seeking addiction treatment, some life events or situations may serve as catalysts. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the term “rock bottom” and signs that it’s time to get treatment.
What is Rock Bottom?
Almost everyone has heard the phrase “hitting rock bottom” when discussing the subject of addiction. You may think that rock bottom could be easily defined or understood, given how important it is to the discussion of addiction. Each individual struggling with addiction has a different definition of what they mean by “rock bottom.”
Typically, “rock bottom” describes a time or an event that pushes an addict to the lowest point of their disease. It is a period when the person believes their condition cannot possibly grow any worse. Their life has been so severely destroyed that it appears there is nothing left to destroy.
Research on addiction stated that a person would need to hit rock bottom or experience consequences that are often terrible in order to change their behavior and seek treatment for their addiction.
However, as our understanding of sobriety, addiction, and mental health has progressed, the concept of “rock bottom” has changed to refer to the turning point in a person’s life that motivates them to quit their destructive behavior. For example, for a person with a substance use disorder (SUD) or other mental health condition, rock bottom might be a shocking or eye-opening event that prompts them to seek professional help.
Signs of Hitting Rock Bottom
Hitting rock bottom does not necessarily indicate that one’s life is out of control. Instead, it might just mean that you have begun to notice the harmful effects of substance use on your physical and mental health and have realized that you cannot quit without help.
The experience of hitting rock bottom varies from person to person, but here are some common signs that you have reached a low point and may need help from an addiction treatment center.
Being Evicted From Your Home
Perhaps you often place getting drugs or alcohol above all else, including paying your mortgage or rent. You may lose your house or be evicted if this continues for too long. Regardless of how it occurs, homelessness is connected with an increased risk of psychiatric diseases and a decline in mental health, which can worsen preexisting problems such as addiction.
Getting in Trouble with the Law
Getting a DWI, DUI, or being charged with a crime such as physical violence, public drunkenness, or stealing can have long-lasting consequences on your future. If you have gotten into problems with the law or gone to jail due to your addiction problem, this indicates that you need professional support to overcome your addiction.
Getting into Financial Trouble
Ongoing alcohol and drug abuse can be a substantial financial strain. You may have even sold personal belongings or stolen money or items from loved ones in order to support your addiction.
These grave offenses can harm your relationships, reputation, and ability to recover from financial devastation. Getting treatment for your addiction might assist you in regaining control of your money and restoring order to your life.
Losing Your Job
Loss of a job is another life-altering consequence of addiction, which may leave you unable to support yourself or your family members. Not only may addiction result in job loss, but it can also exacerbate your substance misuse. Losing a job is unquestionably a turning moment for an addict, so if this describes you, get the help immediately!
Overdosing
In most cases, an unintentional overdose is a sign that getting addiction treatment has become necessary. Although overdose can sometimes occur with the first use of a drug, most overdose victims have a history of substance misuse or addiction. If this is the case, addiction treatment can assist you in identifying the underlying causes of your addiction and implementing life adjustments that will allow you to live a clean life free of overdoses and other harmful effects.
Isolating Yourself
You may find yourself alone, without friends or family to help you, at a certain point. Throughout your addiction, you have likely driven people away by your actions or secluded yourself on purpose since it is easier to continue abusing substances while alone.
In any case, humans were not created to be alone! Life may be very dark and lonely without loved ones, but the only way to mend these relationships is to get control of your addiction and change your habits.
Neglecting Personal Responsibilities
Addiction can swiftly take control of your life, making it too simple to overlook personal obligations such as working, looking after kids or pets, or going to class. You might suffer severe consequences from doing so for many years. So it’s essential to get treatment for your substance misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I have hit rock bottom?
Signs that show you might have hit rock bottom:
– Overdosing
– Being fired because of substance abuse
– Divorce or a breakup because of drug abuse
– Homelessness
– Serious financial troubles
– A violent or angry outburst against a loved one
– Trouble with the law
– Severe injury or hospitalization from drug or alcohol use
– Dropping out or kicked out of school
What is considered rock bottom?
When an alcohol or drug addict “hits rock bottom,” it means they have reached their lowest point possible; perhaps they were arrested, injured someone while high, or had an overdose scare. Shortly, “hitting rock bottom” refers to a situation where things can no longer get any worse.
What’s it like to hit rock bottom?
When a person reaches rock bottom, they are emotionally overwhelmed and devastated. They will often feel deflated and lack energy. They will probably also be afraid even if they try to hide it.
When did you know you’d hit rock bottom?
Signs that show that you’ve hit rock bottom:
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Eating unhealthily, such as binge eating
– Stress
– Having no sense of self
– Trauma flashbacks
– Breathing difficulties & chest pain or tightness
The Haven is Here to Help
Hitting your lowest point may be just the beginning of a happier and healthier life free from drugs and alcohol. There is still hope if you have reached rock bottom due to substance misuse.
The Haven treatment facility provides personalized alcohol and drug detox program with evidence-based treatment strategies to help you achieve long-term recovery.
Our professional therapists customize programs to meet your requirements so you may get the most effective care.
For additional information, contact our counselor at (561) 328-8627 today!
