A-Z of Addiction Recovery - S is for Self-esteem

Self-esteem

How we feel about ourselves is often evident to others by the way we look and how we treat ourselves. Do I dress dress becomingly or do I throw on an old t-shirt and jeans with holes in them? Do I accept myself as human, or do I criticize myself when I make mistakes? Do I believe I can do things as well as others? What do I deserve in life? Many people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol don't feel good about themselves after years of abusing substances and themselves, and part of recovery is restoring essential dignity, self respect and self esteem.

Taking good of ourselves contributes to self esteem. Positive, healthy behaviors also assist us in feeling good about outselves, and this in turn fuelss more healthy behavior. By saying "no" when we need to, asking for things we need, expecting to be treated well - these are all aspects of positive self esteem. In recovery we work on restoring what was lost in the addiction process - self esteem.