What Is Rock Bottom In Addiction?
What is rock bottom? For some it is losing their job for others it is theft, and for someone else it can be something completely different. When living an addictive lifestyle, things are bound to go downhill. Many people who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol often lose everything. They get divorced, lose custody of their children, lose their jobs, go through all their savings, develop health problems, and more. That is the vision most people have of someone hitting rock bottom. However, the truth is, someone doesn’t have to lose everything to hit their rock bottom. What is rock bock for you may just be a minor problem for someone else, rock bottom is different for everyone. Many people wait until they hit rock bottom before they get drug addiction help, but this does not have to be the case.
Defining Rock Bottom
Rock bottom is when someone hits their ultimate low. It is the breaking point for an addict. This point in an addict’s life is when they feel they can’t go any lower. Some addicts will realize they need help when they hit rock bottom. Others may decide things are hopeless and end up falling farther than they ever thought they could. If you have hit rock bottom already, it doesn’t have to be the end for you. There are many professional rehab centers that can help you end you addiction and move past from the feelings you have.
Differences in Rock Bottom
The truth is rock bottom can range greatly from losing a job to getting a divorce to being kicked out of a home. Rock bottom is not the same for everyone. For some it is a morale issue (theft, lying to loved ones, going to jail) for others it is an overdose, or a disease due to their addiction. For others, rock bottom can be loss of a job, loved one, home, etc. What is rock bottom for you may not be the same for someone else. In fact, some people survive an overdose and still end up wanting to use drugs. Someone might be put in jail or commit theft or overdose. There are so many variations of rock bottom and the feelings related to these situations can be different for everyone as well.
See your rock bottom for what it is. A need for help and treatment. No matter what you have gone through, there are treatment programs available to help you get through it all.
What is Rock Bottom for Loved Ones ?
What is rock bottom for the one’s who care for someone stuck in addiction? Depending on the age of the person addicted, it could be failing grades, skipping school or sneaking out of the house. As their loved ones get older the definition of rock bottom can change. We all have breaking points. Perhaps your child never went to college and is working small time jobs with no plans on leaving the house and maturing. For others it could be having their child suffer an overdose, getting robbed, or stealing from them. It is important to understand as parents or friends of someone who is addicted that it can be up to you for the addicted individual to realize they need to get help. Drawing the line and making it clear that help is needed can save someone from jails, institutions or death.
Interventions Are Possible
Are you not the one suffering from an addiction, but you know someone who is? If so, you can try helping them before they hit rock bottom. Many people believe someone has to hit rock bottom before they can get any help, but that isn’t true. It is best to try to help someone who is struggling with an addiction before they fall even further. In fact, if you wait for your loved one to hit rock bottom, that could be death for them.
Interventions are often best done along with an intervention specialist. However, either way, there are some tips to help you intervene with your loved one before they hit rock bottom. Some of the tips for holding the best intervention include:
- Gather a few people. You don’t want to have too many people because the addict may feel people are ganging up on them. This will only cause them to get defensive.
- Plan ahead. Think and talk about the things that will be said during the intervention. Make sure everyone knows to keep their emotions in check. Acting out emotionally during the intervention is another way to get the addict into defensive mode. You can speak about your emotions, just keep them under control.
- Pick a treatment program. Having a treatment program ready in case the addict decides to get treatment is a great idea. This way, if they are ready to get help, someone can drive them there right away.
- Neutral location. Hold the intervention in a neutral location. This way the addict won’t feel as uncomfortable having this conversation. Also, you don’t want to do it at their house, because they will feel too much control.
Healing From Rock Bottom and Addiction
Healing from rock bottom and the lows in life that are brought about by addiction is possible. When someone gets clean and finds sobriety they can begin to move forward with their life. It is easier to move forward in life when you drop the regret, shame and guilt that can come from your actions during addiction. Making amends in recovery is a great way to do this and is often discussed in 12 step rehab programs. It is important to forgive yourself for your mistakes and do what you can to make up for them. For many who care, the best way to make amends is to stay sober and make something out of yourself. Whether this is finishing school, starting a career and getting out on your own, or dedicating your time to helping others who have been in your position. As for loved ones, healing from someone you care about who hurt you during addiction is important. There are support groups for loved one of addicted individuals that can help with this process. The best way to move forward is by discussing your thoughts and feelings with the person you care about. Together, you can work out your differences, make amends and find peace.
