You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom to Get Help

 

When you read or hear about addiction treatment you may frequently come across the idea of “rock bottom” being the biggest motivation for getting help. Although hitting rock bottom may be a common story for people with addictions who finally decided to reach out, it is not the only way that someone can realize that they want treatment. People can recover from addiction in many different ways and they do not necessarily need to reach their lowest point before they can get sober.

The concept behind rock bottom is the story of an addict who recklessly continues to use in spite of all the signs that they should quit. They might ignore people that suggest that they should cut back or get defensive if someone talks about recovery. For this person they are only able to realize that they have a problem when they lose everything as a result of their addiction.

Rock bottom could come in the form of losing your job, getting a divorce, getting arrested or any other event that finally makes you understand that your addiction is ruining your life. Someone at rock bottom has nowhere else to turn and needs to seek help to get themselves back on track. Although many people may experience addiction and recovery this way, the idea that all addicts have to hit rock bottom is a myth that can actually be problematic.

The Myth about Addiction and Rock Bottom

One of the issues with the idea of rock bottom is that some people may believe that there is nothing you can do to help an addict until they reach this point. Some people may think that they simply have to wait until the person with the addiction creates enough problems in their life that they will want to seek help on their own. While it can be difficult to get an addict to realize they have a problem, that doesn’t mean you have to let them continue in their own destruction.

The concept of rock bottom can cause people to believe that they are powerless to help a friend or loved one who may be in need. It can also cause the addict themselves to believe that they don’t need help yet because they haven’t reached their lowest point. Believing the myth of rock bottom can delay much needed treatment and cause more damage than is necessary when someone has an addiction.

The reality is that the sooner a person gets treatment for their addiction, the better chance they will have of avoiding health problems and other issues that could make recovery more difficult. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol for many years may be more vulnerable to developing co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety as a result of their dependencies. They can also end up with issues such as liver or brain damage that will require medical treatment if they do not get the help they need.

Rock bottom can also lead to serious financial ruin which can be devastating for a person’s life and their family. Allowing a person to reach that point can mean that they truly lose everything and may have a much harder time bouncing back from their financial loss. Rather than their job and all their money, it may be better for them to recover before they are so devastated by addiction.

Getting Help Early

Instead of waiting for rock bottom, it is better for a person to get help as early as they can so that they can have a successful recovery. At any point that you begin to realize that you or your loved one is suffering from addiction, you can start to take steps toward treatment. Don’t avoid responsibility because you believe that rock bottom is the necessary starting point for recovery.

If someone you love has an addiction it is never too early to consider talking to them one on one or staging an intervention so that you can discuss the possibility of them getting help. Early treatment can actually be a life saving opportunity for someone who might suffer significantly from any delay in getting help. If you yourself believe that you have an addiction, reach out to someone as soon as possible so that you don’t have to experience all of unnecessary pain and struggle that goes along with addiction.

Although for many people rock bottom may have been the only way they were able to end their denial about their addiction, others can be receptive to treatment sooner before they lose everything. Ending addiction is a personal experience and never happens the same way for everyone. Take advantage of any opportunity you have to get yourself or someone you love the treatment they need.

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source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/dont-need-hit-rock-bottom-get-help/

Are Teens “Too Young” to be Labeled Alcoholics?

Alcoholism is a serious disease that can affect people from all walks of life regardless of their circumstances. There are many prevailing myths and stereotypes about what an alcoholic looks like. While people imagine that alcoholism only occurs later on in adulthood, the reality is that it can take place at any age and at any point in a person’s life.

The myth that a person can be “too young” to be an alcoholic can be problematic for a number of reasons. It is unfortunate that people who believe this myth may fail to get treatment for themselves or someone they love who is in their teens or early 20s. Most doctors know from experience in diagnosing the disorder that age makes no difference when it comes to unhealthy consumption of alcohol.

Although people may imagine that alcoholism is a disease for people who are in their 30s and 40s, the truth is that the disease actually is more common than ever among young people. Studies show that the median age for initial drug use is actually 14 years old and the younger a person is when they start using, the more likely they are to develop an addiction. In fact, 90 percent of people who develop an addiction start using before the age of 18.

The current trend is that kids are becoming addicted at younger and younger ages and the effects of alcohol use can be devastating on a teen who is still developing and growing. Underage drinking is fairly common because teens tend to have risk taking behavior as their brains are still developing and they can be more impulsive than adults. Teens may have less regard for the consequences of their behavior and may drink excessively without considering the negative effects of alcohol.

Health Risks of Underage Drinking

Teenagers who have alcohol addictions will experience a dramatic impact on their physical and mental health because of their young age. Because their brains are still developing they can cause long-term damage to their thinking and memory skills which can be difficult to recover. They may have lasting impairment resulting from heavy alcohol consumption that continues later in adulthood.

As anyone who drinks heavily knows, alcohol can have very damaging on the liver. In fact, many teens and young adults can show liver damage equal to that of a middle aged alcoholic. Doctors can identify liver damage through elevated liver enzymes and these can be frequently found in adolescent drinkers especially if they are overweight or obese.

Many teens are still going through puberty and their hormone levels are changing throughout their development with increases of testosterone and estrogen . Drinking during this critical period of hormonal change can upset the balance of hormones in a teen’s body. Alcohol can even adversely affect the maturation of the reproductive system.

Signs of Teen Alcoholism

Teens who engage in heavy drinking should be provided with treatment early to prevent any of the negative health effects that they might experience with continued use. It is important to recognize signs of teen drinking or alcoholism and avoid believing the prevailing myth that they are too young to need treatment.

These are some of the signs of teen alcoholism:
-smell of alcohol on breath or clothes on a regular basis
-slurred speech or problems with coordination
– changes in sleep pattern
– deterioration in physical appearance
– changes in academic performance
– loss of interest in hobbies or activities
– getting in trouble at school or with the law
-neglecting responsibilities at home or at school

Teens who have a problem with alcoholism will exhibit a marked shift in their usual behavior and act much more carelessly or recklessly than normal. They can also appear more depressed or anxious and hide things from their parents or friends. They may be more secretive and hide things from others or lie about where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing.

Treating Teens with Addictions

It is crucial for teens to get the help that they need to recover from an alcohol problem. They are never too young to go to detox or a rehab center so that they can become healthy again. More teens than ever are getting the help they need early and even attending 12 step meetings so that they can learn to be sober.

While it is normal for teens to be rebellious or take risks, an addiction is a serious issue that requires professional attention. The earlier they receive treatment, the less likely they are to suffer from long term physical or mental health issues. Teens in treatment can learn healthier coping methods that will help them for the rest of their lives.

If you think your child might be suffering from an alcohol addiction, look for a local treatment center that accepts teens into their inpatient program.

The post Are Teens “Too Young” to be Labeled Alcoholics? appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/teens-young-labeled-alcoholics/