What is “Rock Bottom?”
What is “Rock Bottom?”
You’ve probably heard the term “rock bottom” before. It’s likely that you’ve heard it in movies, or you may have even heard someone use the term when discussing a friend of theirs going into rehab. But what is rock bottom exactly? And what does it look like?
Below is more information about what “rock bottom” is, what rock bottom often looks like, signs you have hit rock bottom, and what you can do if you are having trouble getting or staying sober.
What is “Rock Bottom”
Rock bottom isn’t a single thing. There aren’t a certain number of arrests, a certain level of debt, or a number of bridges burned before you hit “rock bottom.” Instead, rock bottom is the point where enough is enough. A common expression is “rock bottom is when you stop digging.”
What Does Rock Bottom Look Like?
While most people often think of homelessness, the hospital, and the cemetery when they think of rock bottom, it can actually be a lot more subtle than that. “Rock bottom” doesn’t have to manifest itself in the form of a major life event, and the idea that it needs to can keep people from getting the help they need when they need it.
As Paul Getzendanner, CEO of Front Door Health, puts it:
“The whole notion of rock bottom is dangerous. It makes people think they need to ‘hit bottom’ before they can recover…There’s certainly no universal or objective rock bottom—it’s different for everyone.”
Signs You Have Hit “Rock Bottom”
Everyone’s “rock bottom” will look different. With that said, here are some signs to look for to better determine if it’s time to stop digging…
· Your loved ones have distanced themselves and/or don’t trust you.
· You’ve recently had health issues that are due to your alcohol or substance use.
· You are running out of money as a result of your substance use.
· You’ve recently been arrested as a result of your drinking or drug use.
· You find you are drinking or using just to feel “okay” or “make it through the day.”
· You no longer enjoy drinking or using drugs, and instead do it out of a feeling of necessity or habit.
· You have trouble stopping the use of alcohol or substances without help.
· You feel like you’ve lost control of your life.
· You feel as though, if you keep drinking or using, you will die.
· You feel shame when you drink or use substances.
Ultimately, your bottom is when you decide enough is enough and you are ready to “stop digging” and get the help and support you need and deserve.
Having Trouble Getting or Staying Sober?
If you feel like you have “hit bottom,” like you are about to “hit bottom,” or you simply feel like you should slow down or stop drinking or using substances and you are having trouble doing so, reach out to Front Door Health for support.
Front Door Health provides judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique, and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off work. Our in-home treatment allows you to continue to meet your work, school, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
