For me, the most impactful part of treatment was writing a Dear John letter (aka a goodbye letter) to my drug addiction. Fortunately, at the bitter end of my addiction, I made a smart choice to go to treatment. And the guidance and support of addiction recovery professionals is why I remain sober today. Through American Addiction Centers’ nationwide network of treatment centers we’ve helped thousands of people find hope and healing from addiction. To learn more about treatment options for your loved one, give us a call at .
#5. Recognize the Impact on Others
This worksheet brings a range of benefits that support individuals in embracing discomfort, committing to values, and fostering personal growth. Once the template is downloaded, health professionals can efficiently input patient-specific details. The template is structured to capture essential information, including the patient’s medical history, current condition, and the impact of the disability on their daily life. The AA Step 4 Worksheet offers a structured and organized moral inventory approach. It guides individuals through goodbye letter to addiction a thorough self-examination process, diving into their past actions and decisions, including substance use and even sexual conduct.
How to Write a Farewell Letter To Your Addiction (and Make it Stick)
This ensures your ownership of the document and provides context for your exploration. Access the Willingness and Action Plan ACT Worksheet template. This downloadable resource is inspired by the teachings of Russ Harris’ \”The Confidence Gap,\” aiming to assist users in understanding and implementing ACT principles. Advise your client to find a calm and quiet space to focus without interruptions.
Address client concerns
The many happy memories you’ve given me are irreplaceable. I remember bringing you home from the hospital for the first time. I couldn’t believe that I was finally a mother. I just kept looking over at your chubby cheeks and pinching myself so I’d know it was real. Instead, use the conclusion of your letter to reaffirm your love, summarize your commitment and explain the importance of treatment. If you have previously been enabling addiction or providing a little too much sympathy for a disease in need of treatment, use this section to set boundaries.
Step One: Download the plan
- Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination, and it’s important to remain patient, compassionate, and hopeful every step of the way.
- Moving forward, I expect you to take responsibility for your actions and seek help to address your addiction.
- I was sick, both physically and emotionally.
- It is useful for physicians, surgeons, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and any healthcare provider who works with patients with disabilities.
I’m here to help you find treatment options, accompany you to therapy sessions, or simply be a listening ear when you need someone to talk to. As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is heavy with concern for you. Your addiction has taken a toll on our family, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, I want to take a moment to share some reflections with you.
Avoid making empty threats or ultimatums in the impact letter. While it’s important to set boundaries and establish consequences for your son’s behavior, making unrealistic threats or ultimatums will only undermine your credibility and erode trust. Instead, focus on offering support and guidance to help your son overcome his addiction in a positive and constructive manner. Refrain from using hurtful language or insults when writing the impact letter. While it’s natural to feel frustrated or angry about your son’s addiction, resorting to insults or derogatory remarks will only escalate tensions and hinder communication. Choose your words carefully and strive to maintain a respectful and compassionate tone throughout the letter.
#1. An Outlet for Emotional Expression
- There’s no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” way to write a goodbye letter to addiction.
- Consider scores of 3 or higher as indicators of potential psychiatric disorders or morbidity.
- Should anyone need to look your notes over, remember only to give viewing access to involved parties as the need arises.
- In conjunction with our existing infection control policies, we are closely monitoring CDC updates on the impact of the coronavirus as they are released.
Through this process, individuals can identify recurring themes that have played a role in their addiction. Recognizing these patterns is essential for making conscious choices and breaking free from destructive cycles. Guide them to answer each section with rigorous honesty, starting with Sober living house resentments, then fears, and finally, personal flaws. Afterward, encourage them to think about what they’ve written and how it can help them improve their life today.
Acknowledge that you have made decisions that hurt yourself and others. This step is not about guilt, but about taking ownership so that you can move forward. Owning up to your actions is crucial for growth and starting the path to recovery. Allow yourself to feel everything you’ve been suppressing. Addiction often comes with a whirlwind of emotions—guilt, anger, confusion, fear, or sadness. Write about how addiction has made you feel and how it continues to affect you emotionally.
If there have been recent fights related to addiction, for example, using kind words can soften the blow of what is to come while reaffirming that previous bonds are still there. 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.