Self-esteem is closely tied into how we see ourselves and the value we apply to ourselves. This value is completely subjective to our own experiences, how we perceive our place in life, and how harshly or generously we compare ourselves to others. Those who face low self-esteem often struggle with anxieties and depressed mood which in turn negatively alters the way in which they value themselves.
In active addiction we rarely are living life in a way that contributes value and quality to ourselves or to the lives of others. Work performance suffers when we show up late or try to get through the day hungover. We find that we are not mentally and emotionally present with family and friends when we sneak away for the next hit or are just trying to stay focused on being well.
Needless to say when we first get sober and enter recovery, we typically do not come in with high self-esteem or a sturdy sense of self. When people struggle with low self-esteem, it negatively affects their life in numerous areas. Alcohol and drug use attempts to cover this up and it is often the first thing we have to address when we leave the substances behind.
These are some of the symptoms of poor self-appraisal:
Drugs and alcohol can help people feel more confident, joyful, and more in the moment. Often praised as a “social lubricant” and escape from self. This can be an attractive alternative for those struggling with low self-esteem and self-worth making development of addiction more possible. If someone new to recovery continues to suffer from low self-esteem, their recovery will not feel satisfactory and they may turn once more back to the numbness of addiction.
A life free from alcohol and drugs if full of possibilities, but only if the individual values themselves enough to put in the necessary work. Each of us has the ability to increase our sense of self-worth without the need for outside assistance. It requires effort though, which when we become sober, we must make a decision to commit to.
Here are some ways to increase self-esteem and build value within yourself:
Building self-esteem and truly valuing oneself can have a profound impact in life. When we view life in a positive regard we generally find life to be much easier to manage. We no longer fall prey to self-sabotage and misery. We begin to feel as though we deserve happiness and that life is to be enjoyed. We do not feel compelled to escape reality nor avoid interpersonal conflicts. We are able to communicate, to participate in, and to care for. As we increasingly value ourselves we increasingly value others. In this we find the love and happiness we have also so desperately sought, first within ourselves and then with those around us.
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