16-year-old Martynas on hitting rock bottom: “They turned away from me”

A 16-year-old recovering alcoholic, Martynas, has shared his experience of overcoming addiction, describing the moment he realised he had hit “rock bottom” in an interview with LRT Radio’s 10–12 programme. His story highlights the dangers of quick-fix addiction treatments promoted online and the importance of evidence-based recovery methods.

Specialists warn that rapid addiction treatment methods—from herbal teas to so-called “coding” therapies—lacked scientific backing and could worsen the problem. Emilis Subata, deputy director of the Addiction Diseases Centre, emphasised that effective alcohol dependency treatment required time, comprehensive psychotherapy, medication, and social support.

“People seek the easiest, quickest path, but these methods have no scientific basis. There are no studies proving their effectiveness,” Subata said. While some effects might stem from a placebo response, he stressed that modern treatment should rely on proven medical approaches.

Subata noted that “coding” was once popular in Lithuania due to limited treatment options and the stigma around addiction. However, the situation has improved, with more accessible services now available, including outpatient and inpatient detoxification, psychosocial rehabilitation, and structured programmes like the Minnesota Model. The practice of “coding” was banned in state institutions in 2017, pushing it into unregulated spaces.

For Martynas, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, the turning point came when he admitted he could no longer control his addiction. “There had to be a surrender, a rock bottom. I realised I couldn’t fix myself and had lost everything. That’s when I raised my hands and said, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes,’” he recalled.

He dismissed quick-fix solutions, admitting he initially sought help for others rather than himself. True recovery, he said, demanded personal motivation and effort. The 12-step programme provided structure, but its core lay in shared experiences and spiritual principles rather than rigid methodology. “I just have to do what those who succeeded did, and there’s a good chance I’ll have what they have,” he explained.

The Addiction Diseases Centre and Alcoholics Anonymous both stress that overcoming addiction is a long-term process requiring commitment, professional support, and community—rather than unproven shortcuts.