4 Ways to Make Amends in Recovery

Making these types of life changes is difficult and requires lots of hard, emotionally-complex work, but it’s worth all the effort in the end. It’s important to note that making amends is for the person we hurt. Yes, we partake in the process to “clean up our side of the street,” but we do not make amends to clear our conscience or undo our feelings of guilt.

Positive Psychological Effects of Step 9 AA

living amends

But, by facing reality and the long-term impact of your actions, and making amends to those you’ve hurt, you’re able to make peace with the past and put it behind you and move forward. On the opposite side of the street are those individuals who simply say, “All of my amends would hurt people. I’m just not going to speak to anyone.” https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Avoid the temptation to get out of this step. To work the 12 steps effectively, specifically step nine, you should have a sponsor or someone that has already worked the steps to help you and more importantly be there to support you. Do not try to attempt to work step nine without a sponsor, therapist, or spiritual advisor.

Addiction and Mental Health Resources

Volunteering for a worthwhile cause or supporting a charity can be a valuable way to make amends. Direct amends refers to going directly to the wronged individual, apologizing and taking whatever action is necessary to correct a situation. If an individual damaged someone else’s home while they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, direct amends may require that they go to the property owner, apologize and repair damages. Those in recovery are encouraged to make direct amends whenever possible.

  • By now you have made it through the first 8 steps, congratulations, you have almost made it!
  • Other individuals who have completed Step 9, such as your sponsor, may be able to help you choose a meaningful way to make indirect amends.
  • Living Amends partners with sober living facilities to closely monitor each scholarship and intervene if obstacles arise to long-term sobriety.

Making Amends: How to Approach Step 9 AA… and When Not To

Fortunately, when you apply for the scholarship from Living Amends, you have assistance in paying for the support you need. We’ll help you fund your first three months living in one of our sober living partners. To apply for one of our scholarships, complete the form below. If you have any questions, we invite you to complete our contact form.

As Harvard Makes Amends for Its Ties to Slavery, Descendants Ask, What Is Owed? (Published 2022) – The New York Times

As Harvard Makes Amends for Its Ties to Slavery, Descendants Ask, What Is Owed? (Published .

Posted: Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

My living amends is being the son she deserves–someone who will do for her as she has always done for me. Suddenly your spinning around things you feel guilty for. Maybe it is a fight you always thought you had time to resolve.

living amends

How do you prove your worth to others after so many failed chances?

living amends

Tragic events happen every day, and in ways we least expect. Many individuals know that they need to apologize to someone they love but fail to do so out of pride or ego. As a result, the opportunity is lost to make things right if that person dies before they can apologize. living amends However, these promises are usually the result of deep feelings of shame, guilt, and regret and may not be genuine for some. Many times, these kinds of promises serve to alleviate the wrongdoer’s guilt and so that they can say they apologized before their loved one died.

Mental Health Services

But if you are dealing with guilt and grief, you probably aren’t surprised that there is more to say. Somehow in all this guilt writing, we have never talked about making amends with someone who died. The only thing we can show people today is our love, commitment and patience. When choosing to make amends, exercise careful consideration of yourself and others to ensure you avoid causing further harm in your recovery efforts.

Promises to do things differently