We disagree with the common belief that you have to hit rock bottom in order to quit drinking. For one, addiction is a spectrum, so that some struggle much less than others to change (studies show many can even make moderate drinking work!). For another, the search for bottom can leave people getting worse and worse before getting better. It defies common sense to wait to change until things cannot get worse.
However, a recent study showed that people who started to cut back on their drinking before entering a 12-week outpatient therapy program were more successful at sticking with it than those who made no changes prior to treatment. All groups were helped by the therapy program, with the most improvement among those who were drinking heavily prior to starting. But the most long-term success was had by those who started to change before they ever started treatment.
In other words, some people knew they needed to make changes for their own health and happiness, and didn’t wait for anyone to help them do it. The most internally motivated people were the most successful. And that may be the grain of truth that underlies the rock bottom narrative.
We try through the Tracking & Insights experience in the Drinker’s Helper app to help members increase their internal motivation to cut back or quit drinking by reflecting on the downsides of drinking and the benefits of sobriety for them. If you’re looking to cut back or quit drinking, we’d love to help! Try the app free for a week before joining if you like it.
