127. GETTING DOWN ON THEMSELVES
What Research Shows
A person’s vision of themselves is critical to the formation of a healthy self-concept and outlook on life. In fact, there is a direct link between their self-concept and their self-esteem, which is the measure of how they live up to that ideal person they have deep inside. If a young person speaks negatively about themselves, is overly critical of their own behaviors, or demeans themselves, it might not automatically suggest drug use. It is normal for teenagers to occasionally get down on themselves; yet, persistent negative self-evaluation can be a clue that they are using drugs.
What You See
When people use drugs, they must do things that do not square with who they think they are. To continue using, they must constantly lie and deceive others, steal to support their habit, or even resort to violence to protect their drug supply. Lying, cheating, and stealing run contrary to how they were raised. This hypocrisy causes deep internal conflict, leading them to label themselves as “losers,” “deviants,” or corrupt individuals who have lost all hope of returning to the decent, honorable, and dependable people they once were.
When there is a shift in a young person’s attitude toward themselves, it is often a sign they are unhappy with their secret behavior. This is especially true if, during their innocent younger days, they were perky, outgoing, and confident. That hidden life they are living usually involves drugs and the destructive drug lifestyle.
What You Can Do
If you notice these shifts in a teenager's mood and behavior, do not ignore them. Start an open, gentle conversation about their feelings. Focus on rebuilding their trust and reminding them of their inherent worth. Seek professional guidance early, such as therapy or substance abuse counseling, to help them find their way back to a healthy, rewarding, and positive life.
This sign is for awareness and education only. It is useful as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It is not a substitute for professional assessment or treatment. If you are concerned about someone you love, speaking with a qualified addiction counselor or psychologist is always the right next step.