Low self-esteem is one of the major risk factors for drug abuse. The success of drug addiction prevention programs in many cases is based on building up of one's self-esteem. A successful drug addiction prevention programs simply follow the desire of the addict to feel good, wanted, superior or at least adequate and then transfers this desire from the quick gratification level that is so prevalent with drugs, and instead replaces it with the longer lasting build up of self esteem, self worth, and self acceptance. Self-esteem cannot be found in a bottle, but it may be found in the fight against it! The secret to success is the gradual replacement of an undesirable habit with a desirable one.
Self-esteem is the disposition to experience oneself as being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of happiness. It is confidence in the efficacy of our mind, in our ability to think. Self-esteem is personal view of oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone has a different view of themselves, but keeping a positive outlook will benefit more than a negative one. Many people suffer from low self-esteem for a variety of reasons and need to build it in order to succeed in life. The only person who can build up-or consequentially tear down-your self esteem is you. Self-esteem is the value an adolescent applies to the self-concept. The teen then develops self-esteem from this self-image. Low self-esteem or low levels of social confidence, assertiveness, personal control and self-efficacy is a risk factor for a teen to initiate into drug addiction.
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to stress, and are easily influenced by those with whom they spend the most of their time. These truths, combined with immature reasoning and judgment means that teenagers are prone to distortions in their self-image and are likely to have at least somewhat unrealistic estimations of their own capacities. As a parent, you want your child has every advantage in life. Most importantly, perhaps, is that you want your child to grow up to be confident, responsible, and successful. But, it doesn't happen overnight and it takes quite a bit of effort from the parents in grooming their child's Self-Esteem.
There are ways in which parents can help there teens in fostering their self-esteem:
· Give them a clear set of rules to follow: Children no matter what age respond best to clear instructions.
· Balance criticism with Acknowledgenment: Pay attention on the positive rather only on negatives.
· Let them some decisions on their own: They will learn good decision making skills
· If they make there decisions on their own.
· Always be in contact with them: Be ready to talk with your teens about their problems and issues they are facing.