When someone who is struggling with drug abuse “hits rock bottom,” it implies that they have hit their lowest possible point – perhaps they were arrested, hurt someone while high, or had an overdose scare. Essentially, “hitting rock bottom” means hitting a point where things cannot get any worse.

Where does hit rock bottom come from?

The expression, “hit rock bottom,” was popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous and has become part of our common language. Usually it means that a person has reached a point where there is nothing else to lose. There is no lower place to fall to; you've reached the rock bottom.

Do you have to hit rock bottom before?

But here's the thing. The whole notion of having to wait till someone hits “rock bottom” in order to change, specifically when it comes to substance use, is an urban myth. A very popular one granted, but still, a myth. It's simply not true that someone has to wait to hit “rock bottom” before they can change.