ADDICTION || Don’t wait for “Rock Bottom” || Episode 4
The concept of “rock bottom” can help people describe their experience of recovery from addiction by turning it into a narrative with a clear event that helped turn their life around. But the idea that we should wait for the disease to get worse before seeking treatment is dangerous.
Belief in this “rock bottom” can keep people who are struggling from reaching out for help. It can also keep family, friends, and care providers from addressing the issue when they have been wrongly told that the disease has to “run its course” and that they should practice “tough love” until a person hits bottom—when they will be ready and willing to engage in treatment.
But these ideas aren’t backed by science, and not everyone survives the fall.
You shouldn’t wait for the worst to happen—or a profound moment of awakening—before seeking treatment or helping a loved one, even if they don’t feel “ready.” Decades of research has proven that the earlier someone is treated, the better their outcomes—and that treatment works just as well for patients who are compelled to start treatment by outside forces as it does for those who are self-motivated to enter treatment.
Substance use disorders get worse over time. The earlier treatment starts the better the chances for long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait—reach out for help.
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“ADDICTION” is an animated video series that turns the science on substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction into stories that stick.
Want to learn more? Need help? Worried about a loved one?
Visit the ARC www.addictionresourcecenter.org or call 1-833-301-HELP (4357) for free, compassionate, and confidential support.
Animated by Patrick Smith
Produced by the Addiction Policy Forum
Written by Jessica Hulsey Nickel, and Lisbet Hope Portman.
All rights reserved. @2018 The Addiction Policy Forum.
Check out the ADDICTION Series: https://www.addictionpolicy.org/addiction-series
