[madisgram]

"Only an alcoholic thinks that they need to hit a lower bottom in order to be alcoholic."

this article lists many descriptions of how an alcoholic hits a bottom. while the article talks about a high bottom functional alcoholic, i believe all of us in recovery can identify with what is listed. it's not necessarily the high bottom drunk but any one who feels they have a problem. if one keeps drinking regardless they will discover an even lower bottom to climb out of...that is, if they live to experience sobriety.

my bottom:
lost contact with my spirituality, EMPTY, VOID
hopeless, helpless
unable to not pick up a drink
compulsion
obsession with alcohol
no feelings/emotions
Lost in a black hole
no will to live
physically, emotional and spiritually bankrupt
up to now in my drinking career or sobriety i've yet to get a DUI, never been to jail, didn't lose relationships. but what i lost-I LOST MY SOUL.

The motivation that an alcoholic may have to get help once they hit bottom is often limited because their denial may return and they are back drinking alcoholically. Therefore, no matter how an alcoholic arrives at his or her bottom, it is imperative for the individual to take action at that time to reach out for help.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...ics-hit-bottom

[Perna]

I don't see it in just alcoholics, I think any addiction or extreme of behavior/lifestyle does this; look at all the grossly obese people who say they are "healthy" and the "shallow" wealthy (like many actors, rock stars, etc.) who party hearty with various drugs of their choice.

[madisgram]

ur correct perna re yr post.
but i focus a lot of my posts here re alcoholics specifically in hopes it may help those who still suffer. i've been in recovery quite some time thus my posts in addictions.

[RapidFlyer]

I reached my bottom when I couldn't live with the booze and I couldn't live without the booze anymore. there was literally no where else left to turn.

I definitely Lost my soul and I realized I really was going to die.

[Caretaker Leo]

Thanks madisgram. I am an HFA - and that has been my problem in figuring out how to get on the path to recovery.

"I LOST MY SOUL". Now that is something I can understand, relate to and feel! I will post that in front of my face each day, because those just might be the words that I need to read each day in order to find strength to move myself forward and into recovery.

[Willcat]

Having hit several bottoms I realized that I needed help. I'm very grateful that I was able to find an addiction treatment plan and practice that fit my worldview. Otherwise I know I would be doing this recovery thing petty much by myself, in other words, I'd be dead by now.