There is a common misconception that one must hit “rock bottom” in order to seek professional help for addiction or substance abuse. That fallacy is simply just not true. Not only is it hard to quantify or qualify rock bottom, but it is not an absolute circumstance. In medical literature, “rock bottom” is the notion that someone or something is hitting their absolute lowest point, and it is indicative of a change in direction. But this is a situation different for everyone. Common instances of “rock bottom” can include, but are not limited to: losing a job, losing custody of children, overdosing, or being arrested. Rock bottom should not be an assumed step in the recovery journey, either. A person may experience none, or many, rock bottoms while they seek healing and rehabilitation.
Another problem with the concept of rock-bottom is the fact that it is associated with shame. Many do not recognize this “rock bottom” unless it evokes feelings of guilt or embarrassment. For a recovering individual, these thoughts can be dangerous. They can increase the likelihood of further substance abuse in order to escape the feelings of self-loathing. Even more, their family or loved ones who see this downward spiral as a reason to shame the afflicted person into receiving help. By waiting for a loved one to get to this point, an overdose could be imminent. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has recorded nearly 64,000 overdoses alone in 2016.
Having a conversation with your addicted friend or family member is the best possible route in encouraging them to receive help. While it may be intimidating to do so, rock bottom has effectively already occurred by the time they have picked up the drug. If approaching someone one on one is not comfortable, there are groups and intervention programs that can make it easier. The earlier the intervention, the more likely it will be successful. You can intervene at times that raise the impact of the bottom, for instance, choosing to act during minor changes in daily life that can be interpreted as disruptive. This way, large and life-altering damages can be avoided such as bottoming out or going to jail.
Chances are your loved one is already embarrassed and ashamed of what they are doing. A tactful, and empathetic, approach is guaranteed a better response than a shaming and aggressive one. Furthermore, the chances of a fatality from using are increased the more a drug is used. Intervening swiftly and delicately is the most efficient way to get your loved one on the right path, quickly. That is why choosing Asana Recovery for your addiction and rehabilitation needs is the best way to ensure a rapid recovery. We provide top-tier inpatient programs to guide and assist your loved ones back to a normal life.
