Your Guide to AA Step 9: Learn How to Make Amends
According to MedlinePlus, alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects about 18 million adult Americans. AUD doesn't just impact the health and well-being of those dealing with it; it also affects the people around them.
The good news is that it's never too late to make a change, stop drinking, and achieve sobriety through treatment and the supportive guidance of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program.
Our team at the Token Shop has put together this AA Step 9 guide and shared recovery journey tips, so please read on.
AA Step 9: An Overview
Before people can carry out AA Step 9, they must have completed Step 8, which involves creating a list of all persons they've harmed. Just like with all other Steps, Steps 8 and 9 require a person to be willing to face the challenges they'll encounter during these phases.
In Step 8, one must be willing to make amends to everyone on their list. Step 9 transforms this willingness into reality and action.
To "make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others" is what Step 9 of the 12 AA Steps or Traditions is all about.
Making Amends in AA Step 9
For some people, making amends starts with apologizing to and forgiving oneself. After all, when people can't forgive themselves, they may think the people they've harmed won't accept their apology either. As a result, they may feel tempted to skirt the issue and delay making amends.
By forgiving themselves, people may find it easier to apologize sincerely to others. Making amends can help them rebuild relationships that their past mistakes may have damaged.
How to Apologize Effectively
To apologize effectively, individuals must have genuine and sincere remorse and be transparent in conveying these emotions to those they want to make amends.
A well-developed plan for making amends may include:
- An honest, genuine apology (e.g., "I'm sorry, I feel bad for what I've put you through.")
- Admitting one's mistakes and faults (e.g., "I was wrong, it's my fault.")
- Taking responsibility and being accountable for one's mistakes and harm done
- Humbly asking for forgiveness
- Asking what one can do to amend their wrongdoings
In many cases, those harmed are more than willing to forgive. However, those asking for forgiveness must also be ready to face the possibility of rejection when making amends.
An apology may sometimes not be enough; those harmed may want more proof that the person apologizing is making a change for the good. For this reason, people must be willing to persist and practice patience throughout their recovery and as they move forward to their future.
Find Inner Peace and Strength by Making Amends
We hope you found this guide to AA step 9 enlightening and our tips for apologizing and making amends helpful. Remember that even if you don't get the results you want on the first try, there will surely come a time when you will, provided you persist and practice patience.
And when that time comes, celebrate your achievement with sobriety gifts. At the Token Shop, you'll find recovery jewelry pieces, coins, and gifts that can help remind you of your courage and willingness to change.