Originally Posted by
GoshinJ 
How does one know when he/she hits bottom?
I hit what I can consider my bottom when I surrendered and gave up fighting. I knew I was screwed and there was no way out. That's when recovery through the 12 Steps opened up for me.
It wasn't about the things lost or the overwhelming panic and depression. It was about the hopelessness and utter desperation. Prior to that, no matter how bad the external circumstances in my life got, I always falsely believed that I could get myself out of the mess I had made. Even though it sucked, I thought I could manage my situation.
The acceptance in my heart that I absolutely could not manage my problem can be considered a bottom for me.