The goal in making amends is “to freely admit the damage we’ve done and make our apologies,” according to The Big Book. What Should Be the Goal with Making Amends? The way to get ready is to ask and keep asking one’s Higher Power for a willingness to make amends-and then wait until that willingness comes. That said, if you’re not feeling up for making amends quite yet, consider revisiting the guidance of Step 8: “If we haven’t the will” to make amends to those we’ve harmed, “we ask until it comes.” Not everyone is immediately ready to make amends. Hopefully, this willingness will have emerged in the process of completing Step 8 (when you wrote down the names of all the people you hurt). Willingness to make amends, though, is also a necessary precursor to carrying out Step 9. By working through the list in Step 9 and making amends to each person named there, you will restore a piece of yourself with each conversation. It represents many of the feelings and struggles you’ve had. It can be a challenging list to write, even for those who want to embrace forgiveness and inner peace-but the list is important. This is a list of all of the people in your life whom you believe you have harmed. Where Do You Start with Step 9 AA?īefore approaching Step 9, you need to complete the inventory in Step 8. By proactively correcting previous mistakes, those in recovery may be able to prevent future conflicts that could trigger a relapse. Many who lived with addiction have past behaviors they’re not proud of. Whenever possible, those in recovery are encouraged to make direct amends face-to-face with those they’d harmed while living in addiction.įor example, someone living with an addiction may make amends by apologizing for stealing property and then make it right by returning what they’d taken.Īlong with reinforcing new behaviors and outlooks, making amends can also reduce stress. It goes beyond simply apologizing to taking steps to right a wrong. This action can demonstrate the person’s new way of life in recovery. Making amends requires the individual to correct their mistake. The guilt may have been real, but the apology didn’t come with lasting change. Whether it was apologizing for being late for work, missing an event, misusing property or stealing money to support an addiction, expressing remorse was likely a daily occurrence. What Does Step 9 (Making Amends) Have To Do With Sobriety?Īfter acknowledging how actions tied to their addictions had a negative impact on people in their lives, those in 12-step recovery programs commit to making direct amends whenever possible.įor many who lived in addiction, apologizing was a regular habit. The ninth step is essential in the recovery journey. At the heart of this step is the need for forgiveness and restoration-forgiving yourself, forgiving others, and making amends. What Is Step 9 of the 12-Step Program?Īccording to AA.org, Step 9 of the program is to “Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” This step can be incredibly difficult for those who may be struggling with feelings of shame, pride, or entitlement.īut, as difficult as it is, completing this step can provide an immense sense of relief and newfound hope for the future. We’ll also include a Step 9 amends letter for anyone who wants to implement this step but isn’t sure how to.

Understanding why will require taking a closer look at what Step 9 is, its goals, and its possible outcomes. Of all the 12 steps, Step 9 is often referred to as particularly challenging. Through mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, members learn and practice these spiritual steps and principles, with a view to staying sober and helping others do the same. Each step signifies a new challenge to reflect and/or act in a way that changes old mindsets and behaviors that once fed addiction. Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment?Ī 12-step program is designed to encourage long-term sobriety, by fostering a spirituality for recovery.Beacon Health / Value Options Insurance.Rehab Success Rate – Does It Really Work?.

Shatterproof FHE Health (First Responders).

9th step promises