Don’t wait to hit rock bottom – here’s why

When you think of ‘rock bottom’, what comes to mind?  What is rock bottom – and, more importantly,  are you there yet?

You hit rock bottom when you decide that you have had enough. Rock bottom is the concept of hitting the lowest point in your addiction – a sign that something has to change. It’s a signal that outside support is required and necessary.

The perception of rock bottom is that it entails extreme circumstances – bankruptcy, divorce, overdosing, losing your job, or health issues.

However, in reality, it comes in different forms and levels of severity. Addiction is a slippery slope, and the sobering truth is that there is always a new low to reach.

Myth: You have to lose everything to hit rock bottom

Since everybody’s experience of addiction is different, there is no universal criteria for what constitutes rock bottom. For one person, stealing to fund their habit, or losing their job, could signal the lowest point.  For another, ruining their marriage is the end of the line.

What is more important than the specific event is that you recognise what caused that moment and seek help for it.

If you are not sure if you have hit rock bottom, but are having thoughts about change and overcoming your addiction, then call someone. You may not have hit the lowest point yet and might be able to recover without going through the pain of finding out how low your addiction can drag you.

Myth: Rock bottom makes you want to change

Many think it is a turning point but in reality, it may do little to encourage you to seek help. Most people addicted to drugs or alcohol have suffered many lows but continue to use substances as before.

Rock bottom is easy to romanticise because it is the point at which someone is finally willing to admit that they have a problem. Fixing that point in the future means that they do not have to deal with the addiction today and that they can continue their habit for longer.

Myth: When you reach rock bottom, you will seek treatment

Some addicts believe that they have to reach rock bottom before they can seek treatment, or that they will want to go to treatment once they reach the lowest point.

Many addicts believe that their situation is not that drastic yet. They believe that when they hit their lowest point they will change, but this is an illusion.

If you have been too afraid to take the step and seek help so far, then there is no guarantee that your feelings will change when you hit the low point.  Every moment is a chance to seek treatment!

Myth: Hitting rock bottom makes relapse less likely

The road to sobriety is long, and the low points should be seen as examples of why you entered recovery in the first place. Just because you hit rock bottom once does not mean you will not do it a second time. Often people leave treatment and relapse within a few days because of their false sense of immunity.

Every day you have the chance to overcome your addiction by seeking help. Waiting for a pivotal rock bottom moment means the addiction survives longer and becomes more ingrained.

Myth: You need a push factor

If you are distressed, dissatisfied or worried about your addiction, use that feeling to motivate you to change.  Therapists agree that self-motivation is the key to change, rather than a negative situation causing a push factor.  The seed of transformation is planted within – readiness and willingness to change are the agents of successful recovery.

Get Help at Tabor Group

If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling or Food, get help today. We can help you recover in a healthy, friendly environment and beat your addiction. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our counsellors today at +353 (21) 488 7110 or Email Us and we can help you.