Raising the Bottom: A New Way to Help Loved Ones Before They Hit Rock Bottom
When someone you care about is struggling with addiction, the most common advice you'll hear is painfully passive: "They need to hit rock bottom before they can get better."
But what if that's wrong?
What if we've been perpetuating a dangerous myth that keeps people suffering longer than necessary—and in some cases, costs them their lives?
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, I sit down with addiction expert Amber Hollingsworth to challenge one of the most persistent and harmful beliefs in addiction recovery. We're talking about a different approach—one that empowers you to take action before a crisis, not after.
The Problem with "Rock Bottom"
The idea that someone must lose everything before they can recover isn't just unhelpful—it's dangerous. Rock bottom looks different for everyone, and for some, it means death. Waiting for someone to "hit bottom" often means watching them spiral further into pain, trauma, and consequences that could have been prevented.
So what's the alternative?
Raising the Bottom
Instead of waiting for rock bottom to arrive, what if we could raise the bottom? What if you could create enough discomfort, accountability, and consequence earlier in the addiction journey to motivate change—without waiting for catastrophe?
That's exactly what Amber and I explore in this episode. We break down:
Why the "rock bottom" myth persists—and why it's so hard to let go of
Practical communication strategies you can use today when a loved one is struggling
How to set boundaries that actually help (instead of enable)
What prevention professionals need to know when friends or family come to them for help
The balance between compassion and accountability—and how to walk that line
This Isn't Just Theory—It's Actionable
Whether you're a prevention professional, a coalition leader, or someone who has a loved one struggling with substance use, this conversation will give you tools you can use immediately. Amber brings decades of experience helping families navigate these impossibly difficult moments, and she doesn't hold back.
This episode is for anyone who's ever felt helpless watching someone they love struggle. It's for the parent, the partner, the friend, the colleague who wants to do something—but doesn't know what.
You don't have to wait for rock bottom. And after listening to this episode, you won't want to.
▶️ Listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Overcast | Pocket Casts | Radio Public
Resources & Links:
Put the Shovel Down - YouTube Channel
Invisible Intervention: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/invisible-interventionMotivation
Motivation Unlocked: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/motivation-unlocked-challenge
YouTube playlist on How To Motivate Someone To Take Steps Toward Recovery: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaJWwIpP_zYtiUsXjYwB-GJEy2iJ24a4
About the guest
Amber Hollingsworth is a licensed addiction counselor, master addiction counselor, and licensed mental health counselor based in South Carolina. She has spent over two decades working with individuals and families impacted by addiction, specializing in:
Engaging people who are in denial or ambivalent about change
Coaching families on how to communicate effectively with loved ones who don’t think they need help
Teaching skills that help people change before they lose everything
Amber runs the popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down, where she shares practical strategies for people in early recovery and for family members navigating denial, relapse, and boundaries.
