I’ve heard it too many times to count: “They have to hit rock bottom before they’ll change.”
But I’m here to tell you, from both personal experience & professional truth, that “rock bottom” is one of the most dangerous myths we still repeat about addiction.
The Truth Is: Rock Bottom Looks Different For Everyone.
For one person, it might mean losing a job. For another, it’s losing custody of their children, or their home. But for too many, rock bottom is death.
When we say someone “has to hit rock bottom,” what we’re really saying is that we’re waiting for them to lose more, to suffer more, before they deserve help. & that’s NOT compassion. That’s stigma dressed up as “tough love.”
At Grasonville Health Services, we see every single day that early intervention saves lives.
When someone reaches out — whether they’re still using, whether they’ve relapsed, or whether they just think they might have a problem — that’s the moment to help them. Not when they’ve “lost everything.” Because by then, it might be too late.
Addiction Isn’t About Willpower
It’s a chronic medical condition — one that affects the brain, body, & behavior. You wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes to wait until their blood sugar crashes before getting insulin. You wouldn’t tell someone with cancer to wait until stage 4 before starting treatment. So why do we tell people with addiction to wait until they’ve hit their lowest point?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT/MOUD) — methadone, buprenorphine, & naltrexone — works. Therapy works. Support works. & compassion works.
Why The “Rock Bottom Myth” is so Dangerous
• It can kill people. Fentanyl has changed everything. One “last time” can end a life.
• It pushes people away. Believing they “aren’t ready yet” discourages families and communities from offering support early.
• It fuels stigma. It paints addiction as a moral failure instead of the medical condition it is.
• It delays healing. The longer someone waits for help, the harder it becomes to rebuild.
There’s no need to wait until things get worse. The right time to help is now.
What We Believe at Grasonville Health Services
Recovery doesn’t require destruction. It requires connection.
No one should have to “earn” their right to treatment by losing everything first.
We meet people where they are — without judgment. We believe in harm reduction, in compassion, & in starting wherever someone’s at today.
Because every step toward healing matters, even if it’s small.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please don’t wait for “rock bottom.”
Reach out now. Let us help build a foundation before the fall.
Call or message us today to learn about treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support.
We’re open M-F 5:30AM to 12:30PM; No Appointments Needed!
