“It’s Not That Bad Yet”: The Excuses We Tell Ourselves That Delay Life-Saving Addiction Help

Facing Addiction in a Loved One Is Scary - But Waiting Can Be Deadly

If you love someone who is struggling with addiction, you’ve likely found yourself caught in a swirl of emotions: fear, confusion, sadness, guilt, and often… hesitation.

You might be asking yourself:

"What if they’re not ready?""What if I make things worse?""Shouldn’t they hit rock bottom first?"

These are incredibly common thoughts. But they can become dangerous excuses that allow a progressive, often fatal disease to deepen its grip. If you're reading this, it likely means your gut is telling you something needs to change - and you're right.

Let’s talk about the most common fears and misconceptions that stop families from intervening - and why waiting for “rock bottom” can be a devastating mistake.

Excuse #1: “They’re Still Functioning, So It’s Not That Bad”

Just because someone hasn’t lost their job, ended up on the street, or faced legal trouble doesn’t mean they’re not suffering - or putting their life at risk. High-functioning addiction is incredibly common, and it often goes unnoticed until the consequences are catastrophic.

Addiction is progressive. Left untreated, it almost always worsens over time. The earlier you intervene, the better the chances for long-term recovery.

Excuse #2: “They Have to Hit Rock Bottom First”

This is one of the most harmful myths in addiction recovery. The truth is:

You do not have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to help them.

“Rock bottom” is not a requirement for change - it’s just where people often land when families and support systems don’t step in sooner. For many, rock bottom isn’t jail or homelessness - it’s overdose. It’s death.

Compassionate intervention, when done properly, can raise the bottom and offer someone the chance to recover before they lose everything.

Excuse #3: “They’ll Be Angry If I Step In”

Yes, they might be. Addiction distorts reality and rewires the brain to prioritize substances above everything - including relationships. When you challenge that system, it can feel threatening to the person using.

But anger is often temporary. Losing a loved one to addiction is permanent. Many times the person struggling has been waiting to be intervened on and there is a sense of relief.

Intervention isn’t about blame - it’s about love. It's about giving someone a chance they may never take on their own.

Excuse #4: “What If They Refuse Help?”

What if they do? That’s a valid fear - but here’s the truth: doing nothing almost guarantees nothing changes.

When done with the guidance of a skilled interventionist, even someone who initially says "no" can later come around. Interventions are not always about instant results - they’re about planting seeds, setting boundaries, and offering a path forward.

And when you stop enabling or excusing the behavior, you're no longer participating in their disease. You're standing in truth - and that alone can be transformative.

Excuse #5: “It’s Not My Place to Say Anything”

Maybe you’re a sibling, a partner, or a close friend. You might feel like it’s not your role to intervene. But addiction is an illness that affects everyone in its orbit. If you see the impact, you have every right - and every reason - to act.

Sometimes the people who are not the parent or spouse are in the best position to break through. Your perspective may be the wake-up call they need.

Addiction Is a Progressive Disease - Not a Phase

Addiction is not a moral failing. It is not a phase someone just “grows out of.” It is a progressive, chronic, and potentially fatal disease.

Left untreated, it can lead to:

• Job loss

• Financial ruin

• Mental health crises

• Overdose

• And tragically, death

  
  

But with proper support, recovery is possible. Families have power - when they use it with clarity, love, and the right guidance.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

My name is Chelsea Lee, and I am a licensed counsellor, addiction and behavioural interventionist, and case manager. I work with families locally and internationally to help guide loved ones into treatment and support lasting recovery.

I know how confusing, painful, and overwhelming this journey can be. That’s why I offer compassionate, structured, and trauma-informed support to help you take action - before it’s too late.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I can help you:

✅ Understand your loved one’s behavior

✅ Plan an appropriate intervention

✅ Choose the right treatment options

✅ Navigate the entire recovery process - from start to aftercare

📞 778-858-0042

📧 info@chelsealee.ca

🌐 www.chelsealee.ca

You don’t have to wait for rock bottom. You don’t have to wait for tragedy. You can act with love, strength, and clarity - today.