Many people use the term “hitting rock bottom” to describe a low point in life. But often, this term is used to describe a point of an addiction where people realize they need help. So, what does this term mean, exactly, and how can you recognize when it has happened?

Hitting rock bottom is a metaphor that describes reaching a point where a person couldn’t imagine feeling worse. If you or someone in your life has hit rock bottom and you need help to find your way out of an addiction to drugs and alcohol, you are not alone. The first step to recovering your life, health, and relationships is to seek addiction treatment.

Reach out to the compassionate specialists at the Arise Treatment Center now to learn about our holistic, supportive substance abuse treatment programs. If you take the first step towards recovery, we’ll walk the rest of the way with you. Call today to schedule an intake assessment or to learn more about starting treatment.

What is Rock Bottom?

Rock bottom is a term to describe the point where a person with addiction feels so low it’s unimaginable that things could get worse. Rock bottom can mean different things to different people. For some, it may mean receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis associated with their substance abuse, such as cirrhosis of the liver or a bloodborne disease like HIV. For others, it may mean losing custody of their children, hurting someone while intoxicated, or being arrested.

In the past, many addiction experts often said that people with a substance use disorder (SUD) must hit rock bottom to recognize the need for help and that the damage caused by their substance use was irreparable.

However, mental health and addiction specialists now use the term “rock bottom” to describe a turning point in a person’s life that helps them see the need for change. Instead of seeing rock bottom as the lowest point in a person’s life, people now may use the term to mean an event that inspires change.

Signs of Hitting Rock Bottom

There isn’t one situation that defines hitting rock bottom. Hitting rock bottom means different things to different people, and each person will have their own experiences getting to that point.

Hitting rock bottom means facing a situation that makes it clear that you need help. This may include:

• A health crisis related to your substance abuse, such as an overdose or injury
• Legal trouble
• Losing your job because of substance use
• Loss of a significant relationship, such as a breakup or divorce, or becoming estranged from family and friends
• Loss of child custody
• Feeling helpless or hopeless, like there is no escape from the way you’re living now
• Feeling depressed, demoralized, or out of control

These are just some of the situations that could signify a person has hit rock bottom. These situations and others can wake you up to your situation and inspire you to make changes to save your life and regain control over your health–and future.

What to Do if You Hit Rock Bottom

If you have reached a low point in your addiction and feel as though you’ve hit rock bottom, do not give up. Now is the time to make the changes that will help you escape the cycle of addiction and allow you to rebuild a life that you choose–instead of the one addiction has chosen for you.

The first step is to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your substance use. If this seems too challenging, ask a friend or family member to advocate for you.

You may also reach out to local treatment centers for help, guidance, and support. The staff will do everything possible to make getting treatment as easy as possible so that you can focus on your recovery.

Do I Need Substance Abuse Treatment?

You don’t have to wait to hit rock bottom before seeking addiction treatment. Getting help early in an addiction can mean better, longer-lasting recovery and help you avoid life-altering consequences of substance abuse.

Here are some signs you may need substance abuse treatment:

• You need to use more drugs or alcohol to get the desired effects, or you can use large amounts of a substance without feeling its effects
• You spend much of your time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using drugs or alcohol
• You neglect your relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities because of substance use
• If you stop drinking or using drugs, you experience withdrawal symptoms
• You have tried to stop using the substance but find it difficult–or impossible
• You take risks while intoxicated, such as having unprotected sex or driving under the influence
• You have experienced social, mental, physical, legal, or financial trouble because of your substance use

If you or someone in your life exhibits signs of substance abuse or addiction, seek treatment as quickly as possible to avoid eventually hitting rock bottom.

Find Help Now

If you are at rock bottom, don’t give up. Recovery is possible, even when it feels hopeless. Reach out to the dedicated specialists at Arise Treatment Center now to get the treatment, care, and support you need to pull yourself out of addiction and into a healthier, brighter future.