It’s an unfortunate fact of drug treatment in Florida that many addicts don’t seek help until they have hit rock bottom. Despite the overwhelming consequences of drug abuse, some people just cannot get past their denial and fear until their lives have utterly fallen apart. Addiction itself is not a choice, but the decision to go to rehab is. Addicts, their friends, and their families need to understand the dangers of prolonged substance abuse – and why it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Hitting Rock Bottom – When Will You Know?

The term “rock bottom” may be a bit of misnomer, since even the most desperate situation can still take a turn for the worse. However, most addicts – and people in general – will show certain signs when they’ve hit low points in their lives. These signs include:

*Verbal and physical abuse of family members
*Loss of close friends and confidants
*Repeatedly ignored warning signs from loved ones
*Demotions and terminations at work
*Poverty and homelessness
*Deep depression and remorse regarding behaviors
*Mental breakdowns or panic attacks

Effects on Denial

Denial is the main reason why some people don’t get help until they’ve hit rock bottom. A powerful mental defense mechanism, it allows people to endure horrible consequences as they continue to use drugs. Addicts can lose their friends, families, careers, and self-esteem, but the endless search for the next high keeps them from understanding the extent of their problems.

The Dangerous Myth

There is a pervasive myth among addicts and their friends that a person must hit rock bottom before they can truly get better. Not only is this not true – it is an extremely dangerous way to think. Addiction is a chronic neurological disorder, and an addict can take full advantage of therapy as soon as it has developed. In fact, drug users who haven’t yet become chemically dependent may be able to prevent full-blown addictions if they seek treatment in time.

On the other hand, recovery may be even more difficult for people who wait until they’ve hit low points in their lives. Like other chronic disorders, untreated addiction gets worse over time. Someone who spends years actively abusing drugs can still get clean – but they may experience far more frequent and severe cravings for years to come. Withdrawal and post acute withdrawal will also be more difficult to endure.

Fear of Change

Most addicts lead severely compromised lives, but that doesn’t mean drug treatment is an easy choice. Like other behaviors, drug use can become comfortable and even comforting. Despite the damage it does to people’s lives, addicts often become deeply entrenched in their drug-filled activities and routines. Getting better is an enormous change, and the process of rehabilitation can seem frightening.

It’s therefore necessary for entire communities – addicts and non-addicts alike – to learn more about drug rehabilitation. Most people are cursorily familiar with treatments for cancer, diabetes, and other non-controversial diseases. This should be the case for addiction, as well. However, raising awareness to this level will require that society cease its stigmatization of alcoholics and drug addicts.

Get Help Now

Whether or not you have hit rock bottom, you need to get treatment as soon as possible. Call the number at the top of your screen for a toll-free consultation with one of our dedicated counselors. We’ll answer all of your questions about drug treatment in Florida, and get you started on a proven program that can help you take your life back.