What motivates someone to get over drug or alcohol addiction?

"hitting bottom": People in alcohol recovery (aa) say that addicts have to "hit bottom" before they accept the need to change. This varies from person to person... It could be a spouse leaving, losing a job, a medical complication, getting arrested, etc. Whatever it is, the person can't accept it, and becomes motivated to stop using the addictive substance.

Lose everything : People will only get sober when they are ready. Sometimes that means the pain of staying in the addiction is greater than the pain of getting sober. For some, it's that consequences have finally gotten so bad, that they are willing to go to any means to get sober. Most will get divorced, lose a job, family, all their money. Hopefully they don't have to lose their life. Some will.

Anything: I saw a guy today addicted to alcohol, Cocaine and opiates for 15 years daily use, 2 weeks ago he promised his daughter he would be home in time to put her to bed and did not make it as he was on a Cocaine binge. Obviously had 100's of other family "let downs" prior. But this particular episode was his moment of clarity. Never too late, but be honest withself early.

Motivation: Insight into dangers of addiction re. Health, job, family, finances, legal ramifications, and overall functioning.

Motivation to change: Includes: look at use pattern (keep a log), identify consequences, list reasons to change, rate motivation for each reason (0-10) & develop those 8+, build confidence by listing personal successes overcoming challenges, describe benefits of change, set goals, develop a plan, measure progress, & work with supportive people & knowledgeable professionals. Hitting bottom just means ready to change.

Motivation: Family, health, financial, social, loss.

Motivation: Guilt, shame, fear after losing everything.