I felt utterly defeated and I hated myself for letting things get so bad. I expected that rehab would be like going to the doctor and that I would be shamed goodbye letter to addiction and reprimanded for my addiction. Substance use disorders impact over 21 million Americans each year, but only 10 percent of people get the life-saving treatment they need. One of the major barriers to treatment is stigma. I was so ashamed of my addiction, but I was equally so stuck in denial that it took ten years of failed attempts for me to say goodbye to drug addiction and fully embrace recovery.

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I could hear you calling me even when I was with others, and I began to lose everything my friends, my relationships, my happiness. Writing this letter is my way of saying goodbye to the hold you’ve had over my life. It’s time to let go, to heal, and to take back what I lost. This free printable SMART treatment plan is entirely digital, so you can easily store, share, and update the document as needed. It eliminates manual paperwork, helping you save time and resources.

Mental Health Disorders: Definition, Types, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment

goodbye letter to addiction

After completing the goodbye letter, encourage clients to share it with a trusted friend or family member. Seeking support and guidance from others can provide additional strength and encouragement as they continue on their journey towards recovery and healing. While this makes up a portion of the Icarus Behavioral Health Idaho experience, we encourage clients to combat addiction in creative ways to manifest a holistic experience. One of the most inventive and healing ways to empower yourself during recovery is to write a goodbye letter to addiction. I will find new sources of joy and happiness in healthy actions and habits.

  • It felt like a part of me died when I got clean.
  • Grief is a reaction to any form of loss and is not limited to feelings of sadness.
  • Elaborate on the details that your drug and alcohol addiction brought into your life initially.

What are the benefits of using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ- ?

I will not let it because I am stronger than you and I am saying goodbye. This isn’t just any letter; it’s a powerful tool that can help you break the chains of dependency and set you on the path to recovery. It’s a declaration of independence, a moment of clarity, and a bridge to a brighter future. Recognizing and treating drug and alcohol addiction requires immense courage, and physically writing a farewell letter to the clutches of addiction is monumental. Icarus Wellness & Recovery is a modern, innovative Idaho behavioral health provider offering a path to recovery to those suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. Bring your letter to an end by summarizing everything you’ve noted throughout the letter.

Express What Made You Seek Recovery

  • What do you have to look forward to once you are sober?
  • Our template prompts healthcare professionals to input specific patient details systematically, reducing the risk of omission or error.
  • Now that you’ve taken the courageous step of writing your goodbye letter to addiction, it’s crucial to build a strong support network.
  • Goodbye letters require a person to be honest with themselves.
  • I know there will be days when I’ll hear your voice whispering that one more time won’t hurt.

You have given the recipient all the information they need. It’s not your responsibility to help with additional clarifications. Part of me still feels the pull of your promise. I know there will be days when I’ll hear your voice whispering that one more time won’t hurt. But I also know now that one more time could cost me everything. In some ways, you were the closest companion I ever had.

How to Write a Goodbye to Addiction Letter?

goodbye letter to addiction

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It may also be beneficial to write a goodbye to addiction letter.

  • Goodbye letters help express the darkest secrets and emotions that are hard to discuss.
  • Admitting that you need support from a therapist is also a good way to go about the whole process.
  • While I did not cause your disease and cannot cure or control it, I refuse to fuel it.
  • You convinced me I was smarter than others, that I could handle it all.
  • Being kind to yourself enables you to accept that with or without flaws, you are still wholesome and worthy of love and acceptance.

It was how I was treated that led me to think that I should pay attention to what they ask me to do. Thankfully I did, and I believe that’s what made treatment successful and led to long-term recovery. I now know that none of these feelings were genuine and that I was being manipulated throughout our time together. Whenever I felt like you were the key to getting through life, it was nothing more than a lie. For this and many more reasons, it is now time to bid you “goodbye” forever.

goodbye letter to addiction

If you or someone you care about is seeking support for substance abuse and addiction challenges, we are here to offer our assistance. This is what is Oxford House where your journey towards healing begins. Now the patient realizes there are better ways to get relief for any underlying condition besides the substance they’re addicted to. Whatever the case, the patient discovers this through writing the goodbye letter. By writing the goodbye letter, they can clarify what causes their addiction. This is part of the power of putting thoughts down onto paper.

What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?

Many times writing a goodbye letter to your addiction can be the closure you need to leave your old way of life behind and begin a wonderful journey in recovery. This is often suggested by therapists at drug and alcohol rehab. It’s been quite some time now since I left you and that grave; that was 5 years and some change ago.

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