Trying to get people to understand what addiction really does is not all that simple, but in this post I'm going to try to offer some perspective. There are many different forms of addiction and many different drugs people get addicted to. There is a place called “hitting bottom”, there is a place called “a high bottom” and “a low bottom.” There is also a place called “the edge” and by hitting bottom we get closer and closer to it.
Where “hitting bottom” means having done enough social damage, damage to health and finances, “hitting bottom” can still mean a person understands they have done so and are able to pull him or herself out of the problem by finding help and learning to take direction in recovery and getting back to a healthy life.
A “high bottom” is when a person still has a house, a car, a job, family and friends, yet is burdened with addiction. People with a “high bottom” usually are able to check in to a high priced facility and get clinical and medical help for his or her problem. These people are at risk of going to “the edge” if they relapse.
A “low bottom” is when a person has lost his or her home, the support of family and friends, has lost his or her job and basically lives on the street or is in jail. If lucky enough, this person is capable to get to a community based A.A. meeting, and is able to follow the principles of a 12 Step program, to some extent fully, yet more often than not they go back out and relapse. These people are at great risk of going to “the edge”.
“The edge” is a place where a person can be either rich or poor. They are already at the bottom, either high or low. People at the edge are hardcore addicts like Amy Winehouse or Michael Jackson was, for example. They have extreme physical signs of dehydration, emaciation, scarring and tooth decay. Their behavior shifts from sweet and sensitive to abrasive and hurtful in a nanosecond. These people have serious cognitive impairment, also referred to as brain damage, are conscious of it, yet they would never tell.
This damage to the brain, caused by the caustic effects of hardcore drug abuse, causes brain cell damage. Just imagine, if a drug can melt off tooth enamel like meth or cocaine can, imagine what it can do to the brain? When part of the brain stops working, it affects other parts of the brain as well. Communication and motor skill function present obvious signs of impairment; caused by neurotransmitters trying to communicate with the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters reach cell-damaged parts of the brain, causing what is known as uncontrollable “voices in your head.” This is the edge.
These so-called “voices” are an alarming and enormous problem and it is extremely difficult to reverse and come out of this state. Even after a hardcore addict quits, the problems persist because part of the thought process cannot be controlled and has a devastating effect on the outlook on life. After years in recovery, the brain eventually creates enough new brain cells and is able to repair the damage over time. This however, also requires a loving environment, plenty of good nutrition, a lot of rest, learning of a new inner dialogue by studying approved recovery materials, therapy and physical fitness.
When hardcore addicts reach this place of having voices in his or her head, it causes extreme self-doubt and fear of insanity. Most addicts do not understand what is happening and the cognitive complications pushes them over the edge and causes them to either commit suicide or keep on using drugs until they overdose. If someone you love has this problem, do not judge them, do not tell them they are crazy or insane. This is a serious condition and requires immediate medical help.
Helpful resource: Free Addiction Helpline (866) 535-9821
