In the world of recovery, “rock bottom” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. It is used by virtually everyone in this sphere, but if you are new to or considering recovery, you might not comprehend the scope of this term.
“Rock bottom” is a term used to describe your lowest of lows in life. This usually comes from being stuck in active addiction, meaning your life has gotten out of control due to substance use. Whether your drug of choice is alcohol, party drugs, marijuana, opioids, or even things like gambling or sex, any addiction can lead to “rock bottom.”
“Rock bottom” is not just a pit of despair; it can also be a turning point. With it being the lowest point in your life, you can use the realization of the extent of your substance problem as a way to take your first steps toward recovery. The best way to do this is to get help at an addiction treatment facility.
“Rock bottom” for you probably looks completely different than someone else's. As everyone has different experiences and different things to lose, life's lowest moment will not be the same from person to person. “Rock bottom” usually occurs when you lose the thing you value most or the thing you thought you would always have. For some, this could be losing financial stability. For others, this could be the failure of a marriage.
The first step in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is admitting you have a problem and that your life has become unmanageable. While this program has helped countless people get and stay sober, it is not everyone's cup of tea. There are many different programs that work for your different wants and needs for recovery. The point of quoting the first step of the AA program is to show the common thread that links everyone with substance use disorder (SUD) together. This step can be broken up into two parts.
Perhaps admitting to a problem is easy for you; yet, for others, it can be very difficult. You may find that you can admit you have a problem with substances yet choose to do little or nothing about it. The reason for this is that the second part of the first step—hitting “rock bottom”—has not happened yet.
At this stage of SUD, there is little anyone can do to help you. At this stage, you do not want to change. At this stage, you are okay with abusing substances because there has not been a serious consequence that has made you want to change.
This is the turning point. This is “rock bottom.” Life has become unmanageable. Because of the repercussions of substance abuse, you are now willing to make a change. This could be due to legal, familial, or financial reasons. Whatever the circumstance may be, your SUD has seriously and negatively affected your life to the point that you cannot manage the damage.
You may find in recovery that your “rock bottom” seems more or less dramatic than others. That is okay. Again, everyone's “rock bottom” is in a different place, so you do not need to compare your stories with theirs. Try to focus on the emotional aspect of “rock bottom” and how you felt when you were at your lowest point rather than the exact circumstances that brought you there. That feeling is the same one that anyone else who has been at “rock bottom” has felt as well.
“Rock bottom” can be both the worst and the best thing if you have SUD. It is the worst because you do not ever want to experience that kind of emotional turmoil. On the other hand, it is the best because it is a turning point. At the lowest of lows, the only direction to go is up. It may feel like you are all alone at this point, but there are people who want to help—people like the staff at NorthStar Transitions. We want to see you get better and heal from SUD.
You can overcome “rock bottom.” If you need help to do so, treatment centers like NorthStar can provide the services you need to get back on your feet. There are plenty of resources for finding groups in your area that can help you as well. There are many benefits you can find by joining a support group. If you have the will to change, you can do it.
“Rock bottom” is one of the worst places you can be in your life, but you never have to stay there. Let your experience guide you toward healing.
It can be difficult to admit that you have a problem with substances. It can be even more difficult when those substances have led you to hit "rock bottom." "Rock bottom" can be a scary place, and it can be difficult to know what to do when you are at that point. NorthStar Transitions, located in Boulder, CO, can be the place that pulls you up out of the hole you're in. To live a life that is free of substances, a life that is happy, NorthStar Transitions is the best place to start. We offer support for those who are having issues with substance abuse. If you or someone you know is in need of treatment, don't stay at "rock bottom." You can make this a turning point by calling NorthStar Transitions today at (303) 558-6400 to hear about our programs.
