Clinical evidence unanimously supports a link between self-esteem and addiction – particularly in women with addiction issues.
Worth is a Basic Need
Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs, placed esteem in the second to highest category. Human beings, he theorized, have a basic need to feel respected, including the need to maintain self-esteem and self-respect. When – and only when – they’re valued by themselves and others can they maximize their potential and attain the highest level of the hierarchy: self-actualization.
Low self-esteem is vital to the development of addiction and substance abuse disorders, especially in young women. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported:
“Low self-esteem is a strong predictor of alcohol use and abuse in young women….one study found that girls who were low in self-esteem at 12 years old, were nearly 2.5 times more likely to engage in heavy and abusive alcohol use by age 15 than those with higher self-esteem.”
It’s a Pattern That Begins Early in Life
The “self-image” forms early in life. Children being to formulate conceptions and judgments of self at very young ages. They begin to consider themselves ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘ugly’ or ‘pretty’, ‘smart’ or ‘stupid’, and their self-concept works to shape their choices… and ultimately, their brains.
In women and girls, self-esteem is also linked to body image. Studies show that if and when women arrive at the conclusion that they are unappealing physically (because they do not or cannot conform to societal expectations and norms) the impact on self-esteem can be altogether devastating. This kind of thinking is operative as a sort of low-level, chronic depression.
What’s more, any instances or patterns of sexual trauma or abuse intensify feelings of worthlessness, and women are disproportionately affected. According to national data, 1 in 5, or 20%, of women in the United States will be raped at some point in their lives (compared to men where the rate is 1 in 71). 25% of girls will be sexually abused before they turn 18 and nearly 10% will be raped by an intimate partner in their lifetimes.
Obviously, and in light of these horrific statistics, a large number of women and girls discover and abuse substances as a means to numb or escape the emotional distress caused by sexual violence and low self-esteem.
A Verified Connection
In studies focused on the role of self-esteem in subjects’ tendency toward drugs, theft, and prostitution, the conclusions were:
“Of those who are involved in addiction, theft and prostitution, there are a correlated number of instances of low self-esteem.”
Where Do We Go From Here?
If these misconceptions about self-worth aren’t corrected, substance use disorders may easily develop. However, using and abusing drugs and alcohol doesn’t truly alleviate the sufferings associated with emotional pain, while they additionally cause extreme negative repercussions. Once individuals begin the cycle of using, sobering, craving, obsessing and using again, new feelings of shame and even lower self-worth begin to dominate.
Positive, empowering, focused treatment services are essential to escaping the cycle. Individuals must address trauma and self-esteem, and learn to feel good about themselves without avoiding or escaping reality with substances.
Drug Rehab For Women in PA
Bradford Recovery Center’s licensed and accredited Pennsylvania drug rehab centers serve both men and women, and have integrated co-occurring treatment programs that directly address trauma, abuse, self-esteem and self-image as vital elements in the healing process. Call today to schedule a confidential evaluation.
