This can include improving relationships through positive interaction, such as spending more time with loved ones. The beauty of this process for newcomers and those unsure of where to go next is that their recovery from alcoholism is outlined in twelve in-depth action steps. Many alcoholics are guided through the steps by a sponsor, but some individuals complete the steps on their own. AA’s step work has been adjusted for use in other addiction recovery programs, such as sex addiction or drug addiction.
What Does It Mean to Make Amends in Recovery?
- Our comprehensive approach includes recovery support services, counseling, and resources for making a sincere apology and working through the amends process.
- There may be times when approaching another person directly or seeking to provide restitution could be painful or harmful for that person.
- Firstly, it allows the person in recovery to separate themselves from the disease of addiction, recognizing that their past actions were not a reflection of their actual values and character.
- Making amends in recovery is challenging, and individuals in recovery may encounter various obstacles.
- The key aspect of indirect amends is focusing on personal growth and changing harmful behaviors.
You alcoholism treatment are setting the record strait to clean up your side of the street, Sober living house so to speak. As Kessler describes, this woman may decide that her way of making amends is to always answer the phone when someone she loves calls after a fight. Though this cannot undo or directly compensate for the initial mistake, it can serve as living amends that comes through a different way of being in the world.
- A sober living community can allow you to return to a semi-normal life, but at the same time, the environment it provides gives you the accountability you need to remain sober.
- Emotionally, I am able to not “take the bait” for arguments when my soon to be ex-husband is taunting me.
- While the process may seem daunting at first, you can make amends in a way that’s sincere and respectful.
- This can lead to a breakdown in communication, increased conflict, financial strain, and a profound loss of trust within the family unit.
What If They Hurt You Too?
I am extremely blessed, and that awareness affects my daily life as well. I am nothing if not grateful every day to wake up where I am, doing what I’m doing to keep myself sober and safe, and hopefully bring positive change to others still struggling. This is my new purpose in life moving forward, and I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity at a new start. By the grace of God, she allowed me to move into one of her homes with a scholarship that would waive the deposit and the entire first month’s rent.
Begin Your Healing Journey
My favorite part of my week currently is the weekly Step Study meeting I’m chairing and leading online. It brings living amends my week an incredible amount of fulfillment, as well as accountability, as I continue to look at my own step-work journey. Trying to be sober with no rules, no guidance, and no help usually ends badly for us.
I found myself fresh out of prison, living at a halfway house, with no clue as to what the next step for my new life was going to be. I had the option to move back to my parents’ house in the same old town and around the same old people with who I spent my time within my addiction. I knew that all it would take was one single moment of weakness, one split second, for me to call one of them up if I found myself craving a drink or drug. The idea that it would all be so readily available to me was too scary to fathom, so I knew that going to my parents’ house was suddenly no longer an option for me. When I decided to come down to Texas from Kansas City, Missouri, my family thought that it was a waste of my time and money because I thought I was only going to be able to afford a month down here.
