There’s a common perception that people need to hit rock bottom before they can change. But is this really true? Do you need to reach your lowest point before you can be helped? 

The whole notion about waiting for rock bottom to hit in order to change is more hurtful than helpful. Why? Because it’s simply not true. Let’s learn more about what it means to hit rock bottom and the stages of change. 

What Does it Mean to Hit ‘Rock Bottom?’

Generally, rock bottom refers to a time or event when a person reaches their lowest point. This phrase is often used in the addiction treatment community, though it applies to many situations. There are often several times in a person’s life when they will feel emotionally overwhelmed and broken. 

Even though hitting rock bottom is not mandatory for change, it is understandable why this phrase exists. Popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous, hitting rock bottom means that a person has reached a point where they have nothing else to lose. Therefore, they are willing to accept help and work toward change. 

What’s the Problem with the Rock Bottom Mentality? 

There are a couple of problems with the rock bottom mentality. First, what does rock bottom really mean? This is a subjective phrase that means different things to different people. 

For example, one person’s rock bottom might be losing their family after struggling with addiction. Another person’s rock bottom might be becoming homeless after being in an abusive relationship. 

Second, believing that a person has to reach rock bottom can prevent them from taking charge early on. Instead, they falsely believe that they have to wait until things get worse. Also, hitting rock bottom means there’s a lot more work to be done. By this point, a person could have lost their family or self-worth. 

Understanding the Process of Change

While it’s true that change doesn’t happen overnight, it is a process that you can start at any time. Here are the stages of change. 

• Precontemplation. People are unaware that they have a problem at this stage, so there is no intention to change. 
• Contemplation. The individual recognizes that there’s a problem, but they are ambivalent about making a change.
• Preparation. In this stage, small steps toward change are made. 
• Action. This is where people actually start taking charge and making changes in their lives, such as applying for a new job or leaving their relationship. 
• Maintenance. People in this stage continue to make progress, however, it is normal to take steps back. 

Whether You’ve Hit Rock Bottom or Not, Change is Possible. 

Everyone finds different reasons to change, but one thing is clear: You don’t need to stick around and wait for things to get worse. You can make change at any time in your life. However, if you do end up hitting your lowest point, rest assured that you can come back from it. There are many essential life lessons to be learned from hitting rock bottom. 

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