If you are struggling to articulate your feelings about the emotional roller coaster that is early recovery, writing those thoughts out may be able to help. When you arrange these thoughts on paper, it can help you make room for all these conflicting thoughts. Processing that idea of turning them from beloved friends to hated can be difficult. But writing helps to clarify the intense nature of your emotions, which may range from feeling lucky to escape its clutches to angry at yourself. Now you’ve been out of my life for three years. I realize when I first left you, I never properly said goodbye.
A Goodbye Letter To Addiction
I guess back then, when I first got sober, I wasn’t confident that I would stay that way. I’m taking enormous strides in my life. Sure, there were times when I missed you when I felt weak or bored without you, but I was happy. This is my goodbye addiction letter, a declaration of my newfound strength and independence.
- It’s confusing to have so many mixed messages.
- When times get tough in recovery, you can look back on this letter and be reminded of why you decided to get clean in the first place.
- But it’s also fine to admit that alcohol destroyed your life and was a thief of your time and energy.
- There is no obligation to enter treatment.
How to use our Goodbye Letter to Addiction template
- I admit that in the beginning, you did offer me comfort and escape.
- You are stronger than your addiction, you may just need to remind yourself of this in your letter.
- You have strained my relationships, especially with my husband (or wife), parents, and children.
- Several benefits come with being sober, and if you are in early recovery, you may already be experiencing some of them.
- When you arrange these thoughts on paper, it can help you make room for all these conflicting thoughts.
Incorporate gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained through overcoming addiction. Bid farewell to addiction with sincerity, expressing determination to move forward without the presence of addiction. As you write, remember that this letter is for you. Do not hesitate to write more than one.
Treatments Available At Resurgence Behavioral Health
Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can significantly increase your chances of maintaining long-term sobriety. Lean on loved ones, family, and friends without shame, as this is one of the most courageous things you can do. A “Dear John” letter is an activity that’s commonly used during rehab. It is an goodbye letter to my addiction expressive medium to communicate your thoughts and feelings related to your former drug or alcohol use. There is no right or wrong way to write a Dear John letter; it’s simply a therapeutic way to express your feelings without having to talk.
- Especially in the early stages of residential addiction treatment, some people struggle to open up.
- You could never solve problems; you just sucked the joy out of my life with your lying and manipulation.
- I missed out on important events and gave up things that once meant a lot to me.
- After a while, you started to tell me that I didn’t need anyone else.
- I watched you dig my grave from day one.
This is my sobriety letter, a pledge to myself and others that I will remain marijuana addiction steadfast in my recovery. And the obsession is gone; I don’t miss you. I’m responsible for my own behavior now. I know I’ll never completely forget my first love – no one ever really does.
There was even a part of me that believed I could become a better person with you. You constantly blocked me from doing any of the things I wanted to do. In that sense, you quickly became my worst nightmare.
Heroin did something for the patient, or else they wouldn’t have used it a second time. By writing about it in their goodbye letter to addiction, the patient can learn more about themselves. Sometimes addiction occurs through people being completely irresponsible.