Step Nine states that we make amends “except when to do so would injure them or https://paobrasilbakery.com/goodbye-letter-to-my-drug-addiction/ others.” We don’t want our actions to cause further damage, harm or stress. In those cases, we can make amends in a broader sense by taking actions like donating money, volunteering our time or providing care. Having arrived at Chapter Five, it seemed high time to state what our program really was. I remember running over in my mind the word-of-mouth phrases then in current use. Then came the idea that our program ought to be more accurately and clearly stated. Distant readers would have to have a precise set of principles.

What is the difference between an apology and making amends in AA?

• A bigger part of it is demonstrating a commitment to making things right and restoring trust through actions.
• If we had not done the work in the first eight steps, we wouldn’t now have a foundation on which to stand while we make our amends.
• Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists and counselors guides clients through every step of the recovery process.
• There’s no shame in asking, and it’s okay not to know the answers right away.

If we had not done our Fourth and Fifth Steps, we would probably still be so confused about our own personal responsibility, we wouldn’t know specifically what we’re making amends for. If we hadn’t developed humility in the Sixth and Seventh Steps we’d likely approach our amends with self-righteousness, blame or anger. living amends Our Eighth Step list was our practical preparation for working Step Nine. As we go into this step we must remember to stay connected to a higher power and have faith that the previous eight steps have prepared us to work the Ninth Step. I’m sure you’ve heard that the steps are written in a specific order for a reason.

Learn About Addiction

To approach making amends with confidence, one must be prepared, compassionate, and willing to embrace the emotional complexities that come with it. This article explores strategies for making amends effectively, drawing insights from recovery programs and therapeutic techniques. Have you worked steps 1-8 with a sponsor and feel like you have a good foundation with them? I’m not saying it’s not possible, but it seems like 3 months sober isn’t very long to have worked the first 8 steps fearlessly, honestly, and openly.

Who Are You in Recovery

An apology doesn’t include an action that attempts to make up or compensate for that wrongdoing. That is also a different Drug rehabilitation ball of wax entirely, one that we have written about here. We believe that the only path to forgiveness is asking it of the person we love, the person we believe we hurt, and making amends for what we did wrong.