5 Ways to Restore Self-Esteem After Addiction
The relationship between low self-esteem and addiction has been established for decades. In the 1970s, drug users, especially women, were found to have low self-esteem.
Low Self-Esteem and Addiction
Low self-esteem and addiction go hand in hand. At first, using alcohol or drugs it will increase your self-confidence and you will be less concerned with what other people think of you. Then you begin to rely on these substances in order to cope with life. As addiction takes hold, your life begins to all apart as your self-esteem is a casualty of this. Lack of self-worth, or low self-esteem, will then keep people trapped in the grip of their addiction.
5 Ways to Restore Self-Esteem After Addiction
#1 Combating Low Self-Esteem and Addiction: Daily Affirmations
Come up with a list of daily affirmations such as: “I am strong,” “I am beautiful,” “I am worthy.” Better yet, choose affirmations that are personal to you, the things you don’t believe about yourself just yet. Write these affirmations on post-its and place them around your space: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and desk. Another way to go about this is to get a dry-erase marker and write your affirmations on your mirror so you can see them when you’re getting ready every day.
#2 Combating Low Self-Esteem and Addiction: Forgive Yourself
People who have struggled with low self-esteem and addiction are plagued by self-blame. This is what lowers self-esteem. Beating yourself up about what you did in the past will only increase your chance of relapsing, so recognize that what you did is now in the past and that you have a second chance to be a better person now. Stop punishing yourself and acknowledge yourself for the good things you are doing as well as the steps you have already taken – namely, getting clean – that’s not an easy undertaking!
#3 Combating Low Self-Esteem and Addiction: Service to Others
Being in service to others is a great way to raise your self-esteem. This can take many shapes and forms, from volunteering with an organization, getting involved with your community, and simply being nice to strangers: helping someone carry their groceries, or holding the door for someone. This piggybacks on #2. Acknowledge yourself for your good deeds.
#4 Combating Low Self-Esteem and Addiction: Talk Therapy
Getting professional help such as seeing a therapist and talking out your thoughts and feelings is another great way to undo the damage of low self-esteem and addiction. A licensed therapist can help you make sense of your feelings as well as support you with your plan for raising your self-esteem.
#5 Combating Low Self-Esteem and Addiction: Treat Yourself
Take pride in your appearance. Dress up or dress professionally, even if your job is business casual. Get a manicure and pedicure, be good to your body: get regular exercise, drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced meals. This way you are taking care of your insides as well as your outsides. This will surely help boost your self-esteem and addiction and low self-worth will be a thing of the past.
If you or a loved one is struggling with low self-esteem and addiction, please call toll-free 1-888-672-4435
Source:
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/