You thought I would never break free and sometimes I thought you were right. I heard you laughing as I told others about you. I saw a glimpse of you smirking as I fell back into your waiting arms time and time again. I am comfortable and I am your life.” I listened to you thinking you were my closest friend. And every time I felt some hope you were there to whisper in my ear, “You don’t have to go there, stay here with me I will keep you safe. My pain and sorrow grew because I never worked through it. The fog you created for me to keep me safe, in the shadows, unseen. You told me I was unworthy or others weren’t good enough and most of the time I was unable to see a person’s true self because I was kept enveloped in a fog. I isolated and had no meaningful relationships because the wall between me and others (which you helped me build) was ten feet thick and made with stones of fear held together by mortar made of resentments, lies, shame and guilt. I never developed courage because you told me that the substance I craved would take away all fear and protect me. I was never allowed to grieve because I hid with you behind closed doors. However, and there is a huge however, all these things you gave me came with a price. You gave me the ability to be invisible, a gift that served me well and probably saved my life. You gave me a voice and although it was not a voice heard by anyone but me it was with me constantly, chattering away non-stop like white noise. I never gave you credit for all the times you stayed with me when I was at the bottom of the heap. You comforted me through pain and sorrow and you were always around to help me celebrate my victories. When I was alone you were always there for me. This is what I wrote.įarewell, Dear addiction, you were there for me when I needed you most.
Reflect on the past - what made you seek help or get clean on your own, what factors or events influenced you, and what reasons you have found to put an end to the behavior that has been destroying your life.Refer to your past relationship with the addiction, not shying away from the fact you have been through a difficult time - admitting you have had a problem for a long time yet are ready to heal mentally and physically is a huge step for your recovery.
Greet the addiction in question as if it is a real person that will read the letter.Here is how you may compose a letter to bid farewell to your harmful habits: