Redefining Rock Bottom: A Personal Journey Through Recovery

We often toss around the term “rock bottom” in our conversations. It’s a universally acknowledged point of absolute despair or misfortune, but have we ever stopped to consider what it truly signifies?

Your rock bottom and my rock bottom are not the same. We’re wholly unique individuals, navigating through distinct lives. Yet, the sensation linked with hitting rock bottom is perhaps universally relatable. Let’s take a moment to reconsider the concept of rock bottom and how it plays out in our lives.

As an ex-alcoholic and a liver failure survivor, I’ve experienced a severe rock bottom. In 2017, my heart stopped and I was on the verge of death. It’s challenging to imagine a more profound instance of hitting rock bottom than this. However, it doesn’t mean that everyone should experience such an extreme to acknowledge their rock bottom.

At this moment, you might be feeling exhausted, fed up, or overwhelmed with your current situation. It’s okay to label this point as your rock bottom.

Here’s where we need to redefine the term. Rock bottom does not have to be a moment of absolute despair. It could be something less severe yet impactful enough to motivate a change. Maybe it’s your health suffering, like having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from excessive drinking. Perhaps it’s the realization that alcohol is hampering your social life.

These moments of realization could very well be your rock bottom.

If there’s any amount of alcohol that affects your quality of life adversely, consider re-evaluating your circumstances. Maybe it’s time to declare this as your rock bottom.

Does it have to worsen before you come to terms with it? Beyond Sober is a helpful resource that encourages individuals like you to stop digging deeper into the pit of despair and start climbing back up.

If you’re struggling to decipher whether you’ve hit rock bottom, reach out. Support systems like Sober Not Sober and my personal outreach are here for you. You don’t have to traverse this path alone. You know exactly where to find me on TikTok.

Signed by K O H D I | Beyond Sober