The Addicted Mind Podcast TAM+ EP 56: Episode Why Letting Go of Addiction Feels Like Losing a Best Friend
Feb 13, 2025
Ever felt guilty for missing your addiction? You're not alone. Letting go can feel like losing a best friend, even if that friend was hurting you. This discussion delves into the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—during the recovery journey. It highlights the importance of understanding what you're truly grieving, whether it's substances, rituals, or identity. With practical strategies and community support, listeners discover that missing an addiction doesn’t signify weakness; it’s a human experience.
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Grief and Loss in Recovery
- People in recovery often miss their addiction, even while recognizing its harm.
- This feeling of loss and grief is normal and should be addressed, not ignored.
Kubler-Ross's Stages and Addiction
- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) apply to addiction recovery.
- These stages help us understand the emotional process of letting go.
Navigating the Stages of Grief
- Acknowledge the five stages of grief in your recovery journey.
- Be cautious of bargaining, as it can be a dangerous path to relapse.
