by Eric Brown, MSW, LCSW, CAC
Director, Center for Addictive Diseases

When addiction and all its factors are discussed, the concept of "Hitting Bottom" is one that raises a lot of questions.  There are often conflicts about whether hitting bottom is really "necessary" before an addict  really awakens to his/her need to seek help.  But it does seem to be a human reality that before things can get better, there has to be a realization that things are getting worse.  Hitting Bottom is that part of a person's life that is now painful enough that seeking help becomes a necessity.

What is really important to understand is that addiction  is a progressive disease.  The consequences do not remain always at the same level  The consequences do not hit a certain point, and then remain there for ever.  Because of the tendency to increase ones amount and frequency of alcohol or drug  use, the consequences deepen.  The usual consequences which point in the direction of "the bottom" may include one or more of the following factors: health, family, career, financial, moral, spiritual or legal.  Each individual has varying levels of "when I am at the bottom".  Levels of excuses, rationalizations, lying and/or tolerance to pain make each person's bottom different.

SO WHERE IS BOTTOM?

The most important question a person needs to ask him/herself is: "Am I at the point where the pain I feel from my addiction outweighs the 'pleasure' or relief I am seeking? Am I really heading down now?"  For some, hopefully, that becomes the motivating factor which leads them to a chance for survival and wellness.

If we look beyond the dynamics of drug/alcohol abuse, into other areas of our lives, hitting bottom plays a part.  Is over-eating finally putting our health at risk?.  Is smoking causing emphysema or lung cancer? Is gambling ruining my financial existence?  Is my work addiction ruining my relationships?  When we look at these realities, the question is: When are we finally ready to make changes?  That is why we often ask ourselves and others "Why are we doing this to ourselves? Don't we see the consequences?"  We all have different answers to that age old question

The real consequences of hitting bottom makes it difficult for the addict's loved ones to cope.  They try and try to convince the  person to get help and spend a lot of time pointing out the consequences they see.  Many people involved in the addict's life attempt to reduce, repair or remove the consequences.  When this occurs the opposite of the desired result happens.  We get into "enabling".  We are removing the consequences for the addict, hoping that will make these problems go away.  Unfortunately, until the addict sees or feels these consequences for themselves, help becomes "something I don't need".  So while we do not wish that addicted people "hit bottom" it is a human reality that we need to allow to happen. 

Yes, the addict's life can be painful, guilt-producing and a source of worry and stress for family and friends.  But the truth is that pain, guilt and worry must be felt by the addict, not removed by the family.  Those feelings may trigger the addict's "Hitting Bottom" and making a sincere effort to seek help.  At Main Line Health's Center for Addictive Diseases, we are available to talk with family and friends of someone about whom they are concerned.  While there are no easy answers, offering support and information about to how to deal with their concerns is what we are all about.  Do not hesitate to call for a confidential conversation.  We can be reached at 888-227-3898.
           

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