Step 9: The Best 5 Tips for Living Amends

If interacting with someone re-traumatizes you, or increases your risk of relapse, you might want to reconsider approaching them. You may have a list of people you want to make amends to personally. If you’re following the 12 Steps, making a list is Step 8. And it can be intimidating to be uncertain about how the other person will react. Kayla holds over 6 years of experience in the rehab space, including in-house https://indusbricks.dreamhosters.com/2021/02/01/alcohol-and-substance-use-during-pregnancy/ content management at a leading treatment center.

What does “a new freedom and a new happiness” feel like?

what does living amends mean

While there is no one set “script” for this process, there are a few key points that you should be sure to incorporate. Work with your sponsor, treatment center, and 12-Step group to determine which parts of this are right for you. The idea of making amends can stir up difficult emotions. While some people are excited about this process and want to dive right in, others hesitate and even struggle to admit what they’ve done. No matter which camp you fall into, the instructions below will help you to get started on Step 8 and Step 9.

Celebrate Recovery Lesson 16 Notes

  • Making amends is not something that you have to rush or hurry to do.
  • I have a responsibility to parent him and speak out for his best interests.
  • As we shift our attention away from self-centeredness and towards the community, there is a noticeable decrease in self-seeking behavior.
  • Those who attend our treatment programs will work all 12 Steps while in our care.

One of living amends the most important things to remember is that not everyone will accept your attempts to make amends. Also, you should never attempt to make amends where doing so is likely to cause further harm. One example might be making direct amends to someone you injured in a drunk driving accident.

The Role of Making Amends in Step 9

what does living amends mean

And millions of people have walked this path before you and found relief, freedom, and long-term sobriety on the other side. In one instance, I made what felt like a very awkward amends to an immediate family member. I couldn’t see it or feel it at the time—but it was Sober living home there.

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