Suffering from a low self-esteem can hinder an individual from achieving life aspirations, or worse still, lead to addiction problems in search of solace. The information provided in the case study shows that Tom Scott suffers from low esteem that has led to his paranoid thoughts, alcohol and cigarettes addiction, self-neglect, and social withdrawal. Abusive upbringing environment is to blame for Tom’s lack of positive self-esteem. To recover from the mentioned problems, Tom Scott could be subjected to the following recovery plan:
The action plan
The first step would be to take affirmative actions aimed at renewing Tom’s self-image. The source of Tom’s poor self-image is the family circumstances he was brought up in; the family was dysfunctional, and there was no love. The following recommendations and actions need to be taken to solve his problems;
Person-centered counseling, the goal being to treat self-perception
The first action is to subject Tom to person-centered counseling with the goal of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment that fosters positive change in self-perception. The process can take six months to 1 year depending on Tom’s rate of change. The plan will involve having talk sessions with a counselor while ensuring that Tom leads the discussion without being steered into any direction. By taking control of the discussion, Tom becomes the determiner of the direction his life should take. To ensure that he doesn’t feel rejected, the counselor should demonstrate unconditional acceptance despite his current feelings about himself. Genuine interest demonstrated to Tom while the interactive discussion takes place will make him feel understood and loved for who he is. An environment of mutual trust will gradually develop through empathetic understanding. Tom will learn to trust the counselor’s actions and words. He will trust what the counselor says about his real personality based on his strengths, as opposed to what life’s circumstances have made him to be. Gradually, Tom’s self-perception will transform from negative to positive, a firm foundation for a holistic, non-directed self-transformation.
Alcohol and cigarette addiction recovery actions
Once Tom acquires positive self-image, strategies to help him recover from alcohol and cigarette smoking would include:
- Making him understand the costs of addiction and the benefits of quitting.
- Committing to stop drinking and smoking.
- Setting a definite date by which to have quitted drinking and smoking.
- Establishing the social support network of friends who have been through the same addiction to provide motivation against relapse during the recovery process.
- Stopping social connections with individuals who make him feel bad about his appearance, or who encourage him to take alcohol.
- Throwing away things that motivate him into smoking and drinking. Such things include beer bottles and cigarettes kept in the house.
- Engaging in relaxation activities such as body exercises to relieve
The following will be indicators that the action plan has achieved it's objectives:
- Enhanced social skills and reduced social conflicts
- Reduction in negative feelings about self as demonstrated through self-care, facial outlook, self-confidence and willingness to socialize with friends
- Reduction in drinking and smoking patterns
- Level of engagement in community and social projects
- Demonstration of willingness to look for employment opportunities
- Engagement in hobbies and reduction in time spent locked up in the house
