Episode 7 - Self-Esteem - How to Enhance It

Understanding the Role of Self-Esteem in Addiction and Recovery

 

In this episode of 'Speaking of Recovery,' Jason Whitman converses with Dan Benton about the pivotal role of self-esteem in addiction and recovery. They explore Jason's assertion that low or no self-esteem is the root cause of all addictions, discussing how self-esteem affects reactions to trauma, the differences between self-esteem and self-confidence, and imposter syndrome. Practical strategies to build self-esteem, such as the mirror exercise, performing esteemable acts, and positive self-talk, are shared. They also examine the importance of loving oneself as a powerful tool for relapse prevention and the potential need for professional help like hypnotherapy to address deeply ingrained negative self-perceptions.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:37 The Root Cause of Addictions

01:31 Understanding Self-Esteem

12:32 The Mirror Exercise

21:10 Esteemable Acts

23:19 Acts of Kindness and Esteem

24:57 Taking Compliments Gracefully

26:40 The Compare and Despair Trap

28:47 Psychosemantics: The Power of Words

31:22 Positive Self-Talk and Self-Esteem

35:18 Perfectionism: The Ultimate Self-Put-Down

37:31 Seeking Help and Hypnotherapy

41:11 Final Thoughts and Resources