I thought that it was fun for a while, until things got really bad between us. I couldn’t go a day without drinking, we had to have the alcohol to have fun. And it wasn’t just one drink anymore, we needed bottles every single day to find the motivation to get out of bed. If we weren’t drinking, we were wasting our time. She earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Alliant International University (CSPP).
Emotional Resistance and Uncomfortable Feelings
I thought I would control you, but you eventually caused heartache and other problems. In those moments, you felt like a goodbye addiction letter lifeline. Discuss your hope for the future without the addiction. This can include personal goals, rebuilding relationships, and finding new sources of joy. For a time, it felt like all I needed in the world was you. For much of our time together, I felt happy and free of other desires.
Whatever the case, the patient discovers this through writing the goodbye letter. Sometimes addiction occurs through people being completely irresponsible. They take drugs for the fun of it and eventually find themselves hooked. Many patients are down on themselves because they think this is what they have done. When often, the reality is they were self-medicating for an underlying condition. Addiction counselors often have their patients write a “goodbye letter” to their addiction.
Learn to live a Sober, Vibrant & Substance-Free Life
You’re a tremendous liar who promised to help me when I was scared. I have realized that My health has deteriorated, my children have been taken away, and I don’t have a job to support myself. I believed your promises and lost track of things that matter. You’ve been the best thief, robbing me of my peace. To be clear, the pain you’ve inflicted is unbearable. The entire team at Ingrained Recovery is with you along this way.
Do not hesitate to write more than one. You can also come back later and add to the one you write. Most importantly, you are open and honest in your letter. A supportive environment encourages open communication, strengthening the bonds of those involved. Over time, sharing struggles and success stories fosters bonding.
Benefits of Writing a Goodbye Letter to Addiction
- I admit that in the beginning, you did offer me comfort and escape.
- It is a perfect way to acknowledge that being self-aware and vulnerable enough to seek help was an upstanding move.
- It’s been 84 days since I’ve seen you, and I feel better than ever!
- For years now, you’ve been a constant presence in my life.
- I will also apologize to those whom I have hurt because of how you influenced me.
After a while, you started to tell me that I didn’t need anyone else. I should abandon my friends, shut out my family. You advised me that I was too smart for school.
At first, I thought we were friends, I thought that we could go and have fun nights out drinking with friends, but I was so wrong. Writing a goodbye letter is proof of deciding to reflect on where it started going downhill, your mistakes, what you have learned, and how you plan to improve. Writing also helps identify your progress, comparing the debut of your recovery journey and its peak. It is a perfect way to acknowledge that being self-aware and vulnerable enough to seek help was an upstanding move. This helps to physically put things in perspective, especially being able to visualize the thoughts and behaviors that have been causing so much trouble.
Writing a Goodbye Letter to Alcohol: Example and Worksheet
You were the greatest thief of all time. At a medical detox center, I missed you every second of the day. I was sick with withdrawal from you, but I felt your hold weakening.