Addiction can change the way you think, feel, and behave. It can be so powerful that you are driven to new lows and do things you wouldn’t normally do if you were sober. The term “rock bottom” is often used to describe the lowest emotional point in a person’s addiction. Rock bottom is usually seen as a breaking point during which a person suffering from addiction realizes the extent of their problem and becomes willing to get help. Rock bottom can look different for everyone.
While the need for rehab is often apparent to friends and family members, people struggling with addiction tend to have a difficult time realizing and admitting that they need treatment. Even if they hit rock bottom, they may rationalize or justify their behaviors. Or, they may act like the victim of circumstance.
So how do you know if you’ve reached the bottom? Here are five signs you’ve reached rock bottom in your addiction and need to seek treatment at a rehab center.
1. Getting Fired as a Result of Your Drug and Alcohol Use
When you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, using substances becomes your top priority. You may start calling in sick to work, showing up late for your shifts, or going to work intoxicated and being less productive. All of these actions can put your position at work in jeopardy, and if the problem gets too severe, you could even get fired.
If you’ve been fired from your job because of your drug or alcohol abuse, you may have reached rock bottom and should consider going to rehab.
2. Getting into Trouble With the Law
Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to poor judgment and risky behaviors. As a result, many people suffering from addiction, even though they are good people, end up committing crimes and getting in trouble with the law.
Some offenses that are more common in substance users include:
- Drug possession
- Driving under the influence (DUI)/driving with intoxication (DWI)
- Public intoxication
- Distribution of a controlled substance
- Manufacturing a controlled substance
- Theft and burglary
- Fraud
- Prostitution
In some people, drug and alcohol abuse may increase the potential for violent tendencies.
If you have found yourself engaging in criminal acts or facing legal issues as a result of your addiction, you can benefit from substance abuse treatment.
3. Losing Custody of your Children
A sign of hitting rock bottom in addicted parents is losing custody of their children. Custody loss can be the result of a variety of different actions you may take due to your addiction, such as:
- Neglect
- Abuse
- Criminal charges
- Jail time
- Divorce & being deemed an “unfit” parent by the courts
Losing custody of your children can be a terribly painful experience, and it means your addiction has gone too far. Seek help while you can before you lose your children forever. Going to rehab can benefit you and your kids.
4. Serious Financial Problems Because of Drug and Alcohol Spending
Addiction is an expensive habit. It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars a week on alcohol and even more on drugs. Even if you need to save money, you may find yourself spending more than you should on drugs or alcohol, and getting yourself into debt and other financial issues.
If you keep spending more money than you intended to on drugs or alcohol and it’s causing you financial problems, your addiction has gone too far and it’s time to seek treatment.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
5. Health Problems, Overdose, and/or Hospitalization
Drug and alcohol abuse takes a serious toll on your body. Depending on the type of drug you are addicted to, you could be facing a range of life-altering health problems including HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, liver failure, respiratory problems, infections, and more.
Substance abuse can also lead to overdose and other adverse events that can land you in the hospital.
If your addiction has taken you to the point of harming your health and risking your life, there is no time to spare. You must seek treatment from a trusted drug and alcohol rehab center as soon as possible.
What to Do if You’ve Hit Rock Bottom
Many people hit rock bottom in their addiction before going to rehab because they avoid treatment due to reasons like lack of resources, denial, or shame. However, when you reach a low enough point, you will feel as though you have no other choice but to seek treatment.
If your addiction has taken you to places you never thought you’d be, the best thing you can do for yourself is to check into a drug and alcohol rehab center. Rehab will help you detox safely, learn how to stay sober, and create a plan to start getting your life back on track.
More Signs You’ve Hit Rock Bottom in Your Addiction
Rock bottom is different for everyone, and you can always fall deeper into the consequences of addiction. Other examples of reaching rock bottom include:
- Going through a divorce or breakup as a result of your substance abuse
- Feeling overwhelmingly discouraged, hopeless, or trapped
- Developing serious mental health issues as a result of your addiction
- Getting kicked out of your family home
- Facing homelessness as a result of your addiction
Contact Woburn Addiction Treatment Today for a Confidential Substance Abuse Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and ready to take the first step toward recovery, please contact us today. Our team of dedicated admissions specialists is here to evaluate your needs and get you started with the right treatment program for you. Call now to get started.
