Does a person have to "hit rock bottom" to change?

Have you also heard the expression that a person with a substance abuse have to "hit rock bottom"? That the person must do so in order to change his/her behavior?
 
This is most likely not the case.

Research shows that the earlier you discover indications that a person may have fallen into an addiction, and try helping him/her (or that the person tries helping him/herself), the easier and faster it is to recover. Maybe you can prevent the person from getting fired, dropping out of school or losing close relationships.  
 

Maybe this will help:

1. Don't wait for the person to ask for help. If he/she would do so, it's great! But try suggesting that the person should seek help as soon as the problem arises.

2. Dealing with the problem in an early stage can result in a situation where you as a relative won't have to suffer the consequences of the persons addiction. As long as your close one denies that there is a problem, it is likely that the problem will persist.

3. First of all, start with helping yourself! If you feel emotionally unstable, try dealing with it. If you feel physically ill, you'll never be able to help your loved one. Prioritize your own mental and physical health!

4. Get in touch with a professional counselor in order to get help with your own emotional state, or with how to act when approaching your close one! 

Take care! 
/Carina