31. Low Self-Esteem & Substance Abuse
Low self-esteem and substance abuse are two interconnected issues that can significantly impact an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Low self-esteem refers to a negative evaluation of oneself, accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Substance abuse, on the other hand, involves the excessive and harmful use of drugs or alcohol. These two concepts often coexist and contribute to a complex cycle of reinforcement.
Low self-esteem and substance abuse often feed into each other, creating a cycle that is extremely difficult to break. Individuals with low self-esteem may turn to substances as a way to cope with their negative emotions, escape reality, or gain a temporary boost in confidence. This escape provides short-term relief from their self-doubt and insecurities, creating a deceiving sense of self-worth. However, these effects are short-lived, leading to a repeated cycle of substance abuse as individuals seek to maintain the positive feelings they experience while intoxicated.
Conversely, substance abuse can worsen self-esteem issues. The negative consequences of addiction, such as deteriorating relationships, declining physical health, and poor decision-making, can further erode an individual's self-worth. The guilt and shame associated with substance abuse can deepen their negative self-perception, perpetuating the cycle of low self-esteem and continued substance use.
People who struggle with low self-esteem often lack healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and negative feelings. Looking back at my own childhood, I remember feeling very anxious, although I didn't realize it then. My mind would constantly race, and I couldn't calm it down when I wanted to. I thought this was something all kids went through, and I still sort of think that's true to some extent. This is where the connection between low self-esteem, anxiety, and substance abuse came into play. Many people who experience anxiety turn to drugs or alcohol to try and make themselves feel better, especially when they're overwhelmed by fear and worry. I traveled down this path too. At first, alcohol and marijuana seemed to help with my anxiety. My mind was relieved of the racing thoughts, and I would get this warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach. But there came a time when these effects just weren't cutting it anymore. That's when I turned to stronger drugs like Benzodiazepines and Opiates.
Benzodiazepines really seemed to calm me down, so I started with one pill, which quickly turned into two, and before I knew it, I was taking 5-10 pills every day. It's so strange how the pills that were supposed to help my anxiety became the main cause of my anxiety because if I didn't have them, I'd experience extreme withdrawals. At first, using substances seems to give some relief from anxiety, or a temporary escape from feeling bad but this relief doesn't last long. In fact, substance abuse often leads to even more anxiety! This creates a cycle where growing anxiety pushes people to use substances more often in order to cope, which only strengthens the connection between anxiety and substance abuse.
Low self-esteem can also lead to social isolation. Individuals with low self-esteem may struggle to perceive their own self-worth and may believe they are unworthy of forming meaningful connections with others. This negative self-perception can lead to a tendency to withdraw from social interactions out of fear of judgment or rejection. As individuals isolate themselves, their lack of social engagement can further reinforce their feelings of inadequacy and contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy of loneliness. Additionally, the absence of positive social interactions denies them the opportunity to receive external validation or reassurance, which might otherwise help boost their self-esteem.
Individuals with low self-esteem can be more susceptible to peer pressure. They often seek acceptance and validation from their peers to compensate for their own negative self-perception. This makes them particularly vulnerable to peer pressure, as they may feel compelled to conform to the wishes and behaviors of their social group in order to avoid rejection. In an attempt to fit in and gain a sense of belonging, they might engage in activities, or they might do things that go against what they believe in or what they know is right, just because they want their friends to accept them. When I was a teenager and in my early adult years, I remember doing things to seem “cool,” like not listening to teachers or doing things my friends were doing, even when I knew they weren't good choices. What initially began as minor instances of insubordination swiftly snowballed into a journey involving substance use and crime. The rationale was simple – if some of my friends embraced these substances, I saw no reason not to follow suit. This cycle perpetuated low self-esteem, as I compromised my authenticity and reinforced the belief that I must rely on others' approval in order to feel valued.
For those dealing with both low self-esteem and substance abuse, integrated treatment that addresses both issues concurrently can yield more effective results. Teaching individuals life skills, such as stress management, healthy communication, and problem-solving, can empower them to face these challenges without resorting to substance abuse. Group therapy or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and connection, helping individuals counteract social isolation and build a supportive network. There is an intricate relationship between low self-esteem and substance abuse and addressing one issue without considering the other can lead to ineffective outcomes. By comprehending the underlying dynamics and intricacies of this relationship, professionals can provide individuals with the tools they need to break the cycle, improve their self-esteem, and achieve lasting recovery from substance abuse.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to help spread awareness today.
