By any absolute measure, my life got better the moment I decided to never drink again. I wasn't spending a fortune on booze, my physical and mental health began to improve immediately, and I started to become more present to my family and to myself.
My self esteem improved when I understood that I no longer was that drunken bum, stumbling around and falling down. I now could return to becoming, to being that person I knew I had always been.
I slowly began to allow myself to be myself, instead of battling and struggling. Things around me moved to accept me too.
Trust in yourself. Be aware of your thoughts and accept their presence. Then allow yourself to be the wonderful amazing person that you are, 1st. That is enough.