Raising the Bottom: A New Way to Help Loved Ones Before They Hit Rock Bottom

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave sits down with licensed addiction and mental health counselor Amber Hollingsworth to challenge one of the most persistent myths in addiction recovery: that people have to “hit rock bottom” before they change.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience working with individuals and families, Amber introduces the idea of “raising the bottom”—practical, compassionate ways families and prevention professionals can help loved ones see the impact of their use before everything falls apart.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “wait for rock bottom” is harmful advice for families and loved ones
• What it really means to “raise the bottom” (and why it’s more hopeful and effective)
• How to ask for reasonable, everyday responsibilities so the person can see gaps in their own functioning
• Why empathy, not nagging or judgment, activates the part of the brain that actually learns from mistakes
• How to respond when someone says they’ll “cut back” or “only drink on weekends” (the bargaining phase)
• What to do instead of lecturing, reminding, or “I told you so”
• How to build your “credit score” with a loved one so you become the safe person they’ll actually talk to
• Practical communication moves drawn from motivational interviewing that any prevention professional or family member can use

Amber’s story:

• From high school teacher to addiction counselor by “accident”
• Growing up in an addictive family and only seeing it clearly after entering the field
• Why she gravitated toward working with people in denial or who “don’t want help”

“Put the Shovel Down” and raising the bottom

• The recovery saying behind Amber’s YouTube channel name, Put the Shovel Down
• “You hit your bottom when you put your shovel down — you don’t have to keep digging.”
• Raising the bottom: setting up ordinary, values‑aligned responsibilities (helping with homework, picking up dinner, doing the dishes) so the person can see when they’re not following through

ABOUT OUR GUEST: AMBER HOLLINGSWORTH

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.

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.

CONNECT WITH AMBER

• YouTube: Put the Shovel Down
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Connect with Dave:

• PreventionLeaders.com
• DaveClosson.com/links