The letter above is just an example, and yours should be focused on your own experience and feelings. It’s okay to feel sad while writing your letter, but it’s also important goodbye addiction letter to focus on the good things that are about to come. Writing your letter is already a major sign of progress. After completing the goodbye letter, encourage clients to share it with a trusted friend or family member.

You fell victim to an Alcohol Use Disorder that required treatment – you’re not at fault; it’s a clinical diagnosis. 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. Read on; you’ll discover the six steps to writing a goodbye letter to alcohol and read an example letter. Purpose Healing Center has two locations – Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. We have helped many quit drinking or using drugs.

I realized that the only way I could be able to leave you would be if I hit rock bottom first. The only thing is that I didn’t know exactly what rock bottom meant. How much more do I have to lose before I’m willing to leave you for good?

Goodbye Letter to Addiction: Template & Example

Accepting that you have come a long way and writing down your feelings is important in recovery. Are you thinking of therapeutic writing but do not know where to start? As hard as it may seem, the first step is jumping on it. Do not overthink the process; just write what you feel; the good and what you may consider ugly are all part of the beautiful journey. Think of how a congratulatory post would read; the farewell letter is to congratulate yourself for choosing a better life and staying true to the process. It is easy to dwell on all of the negatives, but this shouldn’t be your only focus.

Building a Positive Mindset and Self-image

This opening strikes a personal tone, showing that you plan to say goodbye and get help. I will also apologize to those whom I have hurt because of how you influenced me. The relationship between you and I may be at an end, but it is not too late for me to rebuild my relationships with my family members and friends. Tell the client to take some time to reflect on their journey with addiction. Consider the happy moments tainted by its presence, the worries and fears it brought into their, and the realization that something needed to change.

Acknowledge the Relationship and the Perceived Happy Moments

1. If you are ready, reach out to Icarus and get help to experience that for yourself.
2. Remind yourself that you can do this and that drugs and alcohol do not need to control your life.
3. This opening strikes a personal tone, showing that you plan to say goodbye and get help.
4. My pain seemed to go away, and I didn’t worry about life.

Being mindful of thoughts, actions, emotions, and memories has been linked to lower stress and anxiety levels. Being aware of your emotions is just as important as expressing them. Instead of beating yourself up for not knowing how to express yourself verbally, credit yourself for yearning to build a deeper connection with people. You can use several ways to express your emotions; one of the best ways is through writing. Banyan Treatment Centers accepts most major insurance plans. Call us today to learn more about treatment options.

Guidelines for Writing a Goodbye Letter to Drugs

The more you articulate your earnest emotions in writing, the better you get at saying your wins and challenges in recovery. The next part of the letter is where you will express your commitment to change from a place of addiction and chaos into a new, sober lifestyle. You will also give a good idea of how you will build this new beginning into a brighter future. When you arrange these thoughts on paper, it can help you make room for all these conflicting thoughts.

You’ve caused me more pain than joy, leading to stress and lost opportunities. My life has become unmanageable, and I’ve felt powerless in your grip. You could never solve problems; you just sucked the joy out of my life with your lying and manipulation. Any time I had a moment of clarity and entertained the idea of recovery, you talked me out of it. You controlled everything, and it was for your own self-preservation.

Just as you begin the letter with a no-nonsense acknowledgment, you will end with a final farewell. Letter writing also helps you process and fully understand your experiences. This exercise can be especially helpful when you are turning your life around. The National Institutes of Health notes that writing for therapy has a long, valuable history in psychology. You flattered me, told me good things about myself.

Our content goes through strict guidelines before publication. Now you’ve been out of my life for three years. I realize when I first left you, I never properly said goodbye.

By understanding these triggers, the patients reduce their risk of relapse. The Sanctuary Foundation provides a supportive residential environment to help you say goodbye forever to drugs and alcohol. Contact us for more information about how we can help you on your sobriety journey. It’s easy, and confidential – call us to learn about the different teen treatment programs we offer.