dont-hit-rock-bottom

Here’s Why You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom to Recover

There used to be a prevailing belief that a person needed to hit their lowest point or “rock bottom” before seeking help for addiction and entering drug rehab.

But, our perspective has evolved. Waiting for someone to reach “rock bottom” may, in fact, lead to overdose or even death for some individuals, rather than serving as a mere realization that assistance is required.

That underscores the critical importance of intervening and seeking help for yourself or a loved one before reaching a point of irreparable harm.

The Problem with Hitting Rock Bottom

There are many things wrong with the “hitting rock bottom” myth. Let’s look at a few shortfalls.

  • No concrete definition. There is no definitive answer to what rock bottom is. It’s different for all individuals, which means some people can continue falling further than what we think.
  • Includes a waiting period. Typically, family members wait for their loved one to hit rock bottom. While they wait, the addiction continues to wreak havoc on the family and gain more power over the user.
  • Strips individuals of everything. The rock bottom mentality is that a person has to lose their resources (relationships, employment, housing, physical health, mental health) before they can be helped. By this point, the addict has many things to overcome.
  • Harder to recover. When a person finally reaches their lowest point, they have a lot of work to do. The addiction is probably more severe and harder to treat, requiring more therapy and possibly dual diagnosis rehab in California.

Raising the Bottom: Intervene Early

It’s understandable where the rock bottom mentality came from, as it can be hard to help an addict who still has things going for them. It’s usually not until a person has lost everything that they realize they need help. Still, there are ways to intervene and encourage their loved ones to seek outpatient rehab.

“Raising the bottom” refers to getting someone the help they need so they don’t reach rock bottom. To do this, families need to do the following:

  • Allow natural, negative consequences to occur (no enabling)
  • Let the addict resolve their own conflicts
  • Set and enforce healthy limits and boundaries
  • Regularly discuss treatment options
  • Support sobriety, not the addiction
  • Provide transportation to doctor’s appointments
  • Encourage therapy or a 12-step treatment center in Agoura Hills

Not Ready to Get Sober? Involuntary Treatment May be an Option

Another myth is that only voluntary treatment is effective. However, research shows that involuntary treatment can be just as effective. In certain situations, people in California can be entered into treatment, as long as they meet a set of requirements.

California is one of 37 states with involuntary commitment laws. Learn more about these laws in this article.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact Awakenings Treatment Center today. Your call is free and confidential, and we can discuss your options for getting treatment before rock bottom hits.