Self-esteem development is a cornerstone for effective drug treatment programs

Addiction commonly strips self-esteem away, creating a perfect breading ground for guilt, remorse and shame. Taking a deeper look into the functions of self-esteem can be of great benefit for addiction rehab treatment.

In most cases we can see that poor self-esteem is major contributing factor to the cycle of addiction and aids in the progression of dependency.

Our self-image plays a vital part to rebuilding a positive identity. If we are afflicted by poor self-esteem, we then tend to think negatively about ourselves. If a person has low self-esteem they are less likely to talk about their dependency, explore treatment options or seek professional assistance.

In the beginning, alcohol and drugs have great benefits for the person suffering from low self-esteem. Addiction serves as a tool to numb, ignore or suppress our guilt, stressors, feelings, etc.. However; as the drink or the drug becomes the crutch, it quickly strips away healthy functions, leaving us to rely on the quick fix solution.

Reconstructing self-esteem can be challenging however a must in changing the direction of the addict. There are many studies that strongly link the successes of long-term sobriety directly to positive self-image. Creating a new self image is not something that just happen, it takes work, resources and dedication. Some of the tools in developing self-esteem can be very simple in fact we tent to over look most tools and the importance of using them. A couple of basic self-esteem development tools that you can start are:

1. Setting realistic small goals, we need to feel like we are making a difference and change in our lives.
2. Journaling our inner thoughts has a powerful impact helping us recognize our responses.
3. Have 2 positive affirmations that you tell yourself and make it a habit to say it 10 times a day. You will be surprised at how powerful this tool is and just how it works.
4. Educating ourselves can be very rewarding and keep us motivated towards improvement. Also being in a group of others doing the same action can be a great way of changing our social networking.
5. Eating Healthy, exercises, nutrition, sleep, mediation etc..

To greatly improve the overall chances of long-term success, addiction therapies need to include a number of self-esteem development techniques. Self-esteem development helps the individual to create positive thoughts, feelings and a new identity. The most powerful thoughts we hold are those about ourselves.

Jason Spies, ED

LDR Holistic Treatment Services

www.holiticdrugrehab.org