Question: They say alcoholics must hit bottom before getting help. What does that mean?
Answer: The term "hitting bottom" is used in the recovery community to describe the point at which alcoholics or drug abusers hit the point where they reach out for help. Usually, this occurs when the consequences of their alcohol and drug abuse becomes painful or embarrassing.
For example, losing a job, getting arrested or developing health problems related to their substance abuse can cause many alcoholics or drug abusers to decide that they have a problem. The problem is, hitting bottom is different for each individual.
For some, getting arrested for drunk driving and the embarrassment of having to go to court is enough to prompt them seek help for their problem. But for others, getting arrested 10 times doesn't slow them down. Some never hit their bottom and drink themselves to death.
