“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

What Is a “Bottom”?

For an alcoholic or addict, a bottom isn’t just a low point—it’s the moment when the pain of staying the same finally outweighs the fear of change. It’s the split second when your soul screams:

“If I keep living like this, I won’t survive.”

It might look like:

• Sitting in jail after your DUI, shaking with withdrawal.
• Staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, heart racing, wondering if this panic attack will kill you.
• Losing yet another job, another relationship, another chance—because the bottle or the drug came first.

I know. I’ve been there.

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My Year-Long Bottom

I hit *a* bottom—then kept digging. For a year, I lived in the pit:

• Shame so thick I couldn’t breathe.
• Fear so paralyzing I drank to mute it.
• Hopelessness so deep I wondered if death would be easier.

Then came the day I couldn’t get out of bed. Not from hangover—from despair. That’s when I finally got on my knees and begged for help.

Eighteen years later, I’m writing this to tell you:
That bottom saved my life.

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Why Bottoms Matter

1. They Break the Illusion
   • Addiction lies: “You can stop tomorrow.”
   • A bottom shouts: “Today, or never.”
2. They Soften Your Heart
   • Pain cracks you open. Suddenly, you feel empathy—for others, for yourself.
   • “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3
3. They Create Space for Change
   • When you’re desperate enough, old excuses die. New ideas take root.

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If You’re at Your Bottom Right Now

1. You’re Not Alone
   • Millions have stood where you are—and climbed out. I did.
2. Ask for Help
   • Get to a meeting (AA, NA, even a church basement). Say: “I’m new. I need help.”
   • Pray the raw, ugly truth: “God, I can’t do this alone.”
3. Surrender the Fight
   • You don’t have to “fix” yourself today. Just put down the drink/drug for this hour. Then the next.

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The Miracle After the Bottom

My worst day became the first day of my truce—with alcohol, with myself, with God. Today:

• My marriage is joyful.
• My purpose is clear.
• My worst bottom is now my testimony.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
— Psalm 40:1-2 (NIV)

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Your Turn

• If you’re in the pit right now: Comment “Pray for me” below. I will.
• If you’ve survived your bottom: Share one word that got you through. (Mine: “Enough.”)

Like, share, tag someone who needs this. No one should suffer in silence.

— Chris
(Author, “Grateful Truce”)

P.S. Bottoms aren’t the end. They’re the beginning of your comeback. Don’t quit before the miracle.