Alcohol Use Disorder impacts 16.3 million individuals every year in The United States. However only around 1.5 million adults got treatment in a recovery center in 2019. Many individuals aim to quit drinking by themselves instead of looking for professional assistance. One method that has gained recognition is writing a Dear John letter to alcohol.

What is a Dear John Letter to Alcohol?

A Dear John letter to alcohol is a therapeutic method. It is a way of revealing thoughts and emotions related to alcohol abuse. A written letter is a part of writing therapy referred to as expressive writing. When making use of this method, one writes despite normal protocols of grammar and spelling. Rather, one writes to express their feelings and emotions around an event, or set of events, that has heavily impacted their lives.

What to Cover in Your Dear John Letter to Alcohol?

This letter is extremely close to Step 4 of AA’s 12-Step Program. Part of Step 4 includes creating a checklist of individuals one has hurt by their drinking. In the letter, one may discuss individuals harmed and how embarrassed one feels for creating pain and suffering to others.

The letter may spread humor and the lighter aspect of drinking before alcoholism took a hold. Many individuals enjoyed drinking in the beginning. So, it helps to discuss the fun before the addiction seized life.

It is essential to cover the self-harm brought on by drinking as well. Binge drinking, blackouts, or out-of-control behavior written indicates no longer refuting that drinking is harming yourself and individuals you love.

After that, when all the tales of excitement and damage are related, the writer turns on alcohol. The writer explains how he or she no longer wants to live on the roller coaster of alcoholism. That alcohol is not welcome and cannot be a part of life any longer.

Publishing Your Dear John Letter to Alcohol

Writing a Dear John letter to alcohol feels like writing in a journal, no one should see it unless you would like to share. It is a personal letter meant to motivate and enhance your willpower to remain sober.

However, if you find yourself in therapy for alcoholism, it’s a helpful resource to share with your counselor or community. This letter gives a truthful look at your fight with alcohol from your viewpoint.

When you are stable in recovery, it may be useful to talk about your letter with family and friends. Your thoughts into those habits may help mend damaged relationships triggered by alcoholism.

For many, releasing the Dear John letter to alcohol will function as a public reminder to keep sober. Veronica Vali, author of ‘Why you drink and How to stop: Journey to freedom’ released her letter on her website and in her book.

An additional recovering alcoholic publicized a goodbye letter to alcohol in the Fix, a recovery magazine. Both letters are a fantastic case of ways to compose your Dear John letter to alcohol.

Need Assistance Writing a Dear John Letter to Alcohol?

Writing a goodbye letter to alcohol is healing. Here at Northlake Recovery we suggest utilizing this method, and other journalism techniques while in alcohol rehab. This and many other tools, ideas, and adventures are waiting for you when you arrive. We provide all encompassing services for anyone with an addiction. For more information, call (561)-770-6616.