What does hitting “rock bottom” mean?
I’m sure most all of us have heard this term or phrase before, but what comes into your mind when you hear it? Maybe the over used conception of the term “you have to lose everything before getting help.” The problem with this is we all have a different level of “everything.” The tragic part of hitting rock bottom is that some people will actually will wait for it (bottom) to happen before seeking help. In many cases help will never arrive. Often while waiting for the “bottom” to arrive, death may be what actually happens. This does not have to be the case. What I feel the term hitting rock bottom really means is “when the person comes to the realization that enough is enough and something has to change.
One day something clicks, you don’t know what that “something” is but….. and if you’re someone who been there you know when it happens. Let me tell you from experience it’s a darn scary thing. Relief comes much later in the process. They then start the seeking help in some way often very begrudgingly or kicking and screaming. It’s kinda like the old saying “can’t see the forest, through the trees.” The person that needs help, most often knows this, yet chooses not to seek help for any number of thoughts or reasons. Real or unreal. Many times it’s a matter of they don’t how to or are just too afraid. So does this mean they haven’t hit bottom yet? I guess if want to look at it this way you can. It just hasn’t clicked over yet, if they’re lucky it will before it’s too late.
Bottom can also be an intervention
Interventions come in many different forms however. Did you know that getting pulled over in your vehicle can be an intervention? Another form can be accident, work troubles, financial problems, relationship issues, other family type problems, health concerns, or yes the formal intervention type event that you may have watched on TV. In most cases it takes some outside catalyst to start the recovery process. Another way to think of an intervention is a way of “raising the bottom.” Often however by the time we get to this point, correcting or fixing all the damage that has been done can be and is often very difficult. What gets overlooked here often the years of the behavior and the hurt and pain caused on the other family members and the people closest to you. The longer this goes on the more damage is done.
You’re never really drinking alone
someone else is affected in some way when problem drinking is involved. As a loved one you’ve been hurting long enough. What can you do? First avoid blame. This blame is the blame you place on yourself, as well as the blame you placed on the addicted one. When someone has an addiction problem it’s not a matter of them just quitting. They can’t! This is the power of addiction. This is why professional help is needed. This too can also come in many different forms. You can consider doing a formal intervention. An intervention is never done out spite. It’s done out of, and with love, respect and the desire to what ever you can help your loved one. After-all what you’re doing now isn’t working. Waiting can be a very dangerous thing to do.
Detox or Rehab?
There may be a need for a medical detox, because quitting alcohol or other drug “cold turkey” can be life threatening. Maybe an inpatient program is what is needed, there are many different options available here. Part of the intervention process is finding that best fit rehab. It is also very important for the affected family members to get help. If they are to expect change in the addicted loved one, they too have to change and become educated on what recovery is. You have probably done enough arguing, fighting, and blaming and no results. You or the addicted one don’t have to lose it all before you seek help, in fact I would prefer that you don’t, I’ve been there it sucks!
One thing I can guarantee, is that wherever type of help is sought, the worry about being judged need not be a concern. Many of the professionals in the recovery field are recovered themselves. The addiction field is full of professionals that just want to see you come out the other side better, stronger and being the person you really are, that’s what all us want.
Make the call, please. You can find me here.
