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Low Self-Esteem and Alcohol Use

Person struggling with alcohol use and low self-esteem

Alcohol and self-esteem can be a deadly mix. When someone struggles with low self-esteem, they may turn to alcohol as a way to escape their negative thoughts and feelings. However, alcohol only serves as a temporary solution and can ultimately worsen self-esteem.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol and self-esteem issues, Vertava Health’s alcohol rehab center can help. Call us at 844.470.0410 to learn more about our individualized treatment plans and resources for building healthy self-esteem. Together, we can break the cycle and promote long-lasting recovery.

The Link Between Alcohol and Self-Esteem

Some people with low self-esteem may critically evaluate themselves constantly against their peers. They may feel that they are not good enough in their appearance or their talents. They may also feel too shy to be around others. Those who have low self-esteem may turn to alcohol as a way to fit in with their peers. Alcohol may temporarily cause the individual to come out of their shell if they are shy and have low self-esteem. When they drink alcohol, they may feel more accepted by their peers.

Signs you struggle with low self-esteem and alcohol use include:

  • Feeling the need to drink in order to have a good time or fit in with others
  • Drinking alone or hiding alcohol use from loved ones
  • Feeling guilty or ashamed about your drinking habits
  • Using alcohol as a crutch to cope with negative thoughts and emotions

Unfortunately, these means of temporarily boosting self-esteem with alcohol can have negative consequences. Alcohol may worsen feelings of low self-worth, as individuals may engage in risky or dangerous behaviors while under the influence. They may also experience negative consequences, such as losing relationships or job opportunities, further damaging their self-esteem.

The Number One Factor

You may think that low self-esteem is only a small part of addiction. However, the number one factor causing alcohol or drug addiction is low self-esteem. People with low self-esteem may feel:

  • Inferior to others
  • Insignificant
  • Incompetent
  • Like they have lost control of their lives
  • Lonely, depressed, or anxious
  • Guilt, shame, or anger

All of these issues feed into a person’s sense of self. They may reach out to alcohol to hide their true feelings and pain. But what starts out as low self-esteem will develop into dependence and addiction to alcohol. Individuals who think that alcohol may help their problems usually discover that alcohol has made their situation much worse. Not only do they have self-esteem problems to overcome, but they also now have an alcohol addiction. This can create their lives to spiral out of control even more.

Ways That Low Self-Esteem Can Develop

Most people don’t develop a low sense of self-worth overnight. It is a gradual process that may take months or years to fully emerge. Some ways that a person may develop low self-esteem include:

  • A negative perception of body image
  • Childhood use or neglect
  • Failure at school or work (or perceived failure)
  • Relationship troubles
  • Having a family history of depression or other mental illnesses
  • Financial issues

Build Yourself Up at Vertava Health

Low self-esteem and alcohol use can go hand in hand. But by seeking help at Vertava Health, you can break the cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors. Our alcohol rehab center offers a range of treatment options to address both addiction and low self-esteem. We focus on individualized care so that each person in treatment can develop the necessary coping skills and self-confidence to maintain long-term recovery.

Don’t let low self-worth stand in the way of reaching your full potential. Contact us today by using our online form or by calling us at 844.470.0410 to learn more about our individualized treatment plans and resources for building self-esteem in recovery.