This step involves a life-long commitment to make yourself a better person. This is probably what you have in mind when you think of making amends. This can occur in person, by phone, email, or any other form of communication. As recovering addicts, we fear the loss of control we experienced living amends in our darkest days. This step is accompanied by the terrible realization that we have no control over the response of the people we have harmed. We will likely have wonderful experiences and very difficult ones.

• SUD can range from mild to severe, and “addiction” is often used to describe the most severe end of that range.
• The response to amends can vary widely; some may refuse to engage, leaving the individual feeling disheartened.
• When you take responsibility for past actions, you help heal others while experiencing personal growth and inner peace.
• Many people treat prayer as a way to practice humility and direction, even if their beliefs are still forming.
• Recovery support groups can offer significant help for those facing challenges in making amends.

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An apology here would be considered part of a person’s direct amends. Discover when living amends are the right choice, what they involve, and how to genuinely repair relationships through ongoing actions. An amends letter can be a powerful way to communicate intentions when direct communication is not possible. Begin with a sincere apology, being specific about the wrongs committed instead of making vague statements of guilt. This specificity strengthens the impact of your amends letter and shows that you have thoroughly reflected on your actions.

Big Book ASL - Appendix II – Spiritual Experience

Although step nine can be difficult, participants should remember that if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. It takes willingness and courage to reflect on and find a resolution to your mistakes. If the recovering alcoholic is able to do this, then it demonstrates that they are progressing positively and ready for the tenth step. The guilt for your wrongdoings will eventually dissipate and by making an apology and amends, you will be able to let go and live. Before completing step nine, the recovering alcoholic needs to be ready to deliver their message with the best intentions, not motivated by false expectations.

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But it's also a deeply healing way to rebuild relationships, restore your integrity and move forward with a clearer conscience. Many AA members use the Serenity Prayer as an AA morning prayer because it reinforces acceptance, courage, and wise decision-making. It’s not the only option, and AA morning prayers can be as short as one sentence. The best morning prayer is one you can repeat consistently and connect to healthy action.

• Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.
• Approaching individuals when they are open to dialogue increases the likelihood of a positive interaction.
• The recovery journey isn’t just about abstaining from substance use.
• If you have a reaction to their feedback, pause and just listen then share your thoughts about this with your support system, therapist or sponsor.

AA morning prayer (gentle option)May I feel safe in my body today.May I stay connected to supportive people and healthy routines.May I respond with care, not self-attack, when I make a mistake. Capstone is a top rated residential treatment center for young men. We focus on helping young men ages and teens ages who struggle with self-destructive behaviors, mental health struggles, and compulsive behaviors.

Feeling ashamed of past mistakes should not prevent you from making amends. Recovery is about aligning your actions with your intentions, which often did not match during the time period of your active addiction. Remember that the 9th step is not over when you have gone through your list. It involves remembering amends you forgot to make, making new wrongs right (this is what the next step is all about).

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From the steps leading up to nine, recovering alcoholics begin to develop tools to handle stressful situations without drug addiction treatment liquor and believe in a Higher Power greater than themselves. The three primary types of amends are direct amends, indirect amends, and living amends. Each type serves a unique purpose in recovery and offers various methods for addressing past wrongs and demonstrating commitment to change. In sober living or intensive outpatient care, routines are not “extra” support; they are the container that keeps recovery practical when motivation drops. This article explains what people mean by alcoholics anonymous morning prayer, how it connects to Step 11, and how to build a flexible practice you can use in recovery homes, halfway houses, or at home. The 12-steps approach is a viable treatment option because it empowers addicts to admit their addiction and get help.

People with sexual addiction, drug addiction, eating disorders, gambling addiction, or any unhealthy behavior can attend meetings. Making direct amends is perhaps the hardest type of making amends because it involves confronting the person or people you’ve harmed. Direct amends, also known as face-to-face amends, involve personally confronting the person you’ve wronged. This is the primary goal of Step 9 and should be done whenever possible. The disease of addiction causes people with substance abuse problems to hurt family members, friends, and others.

• This can occur in person, by phone, email, or any other form of communication.
• After the formal treatment plans, you have some options about your continuing support network.
• Step eight is preparation for the action of step nine, which involves putting your recovery into action.

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions ASL - Step Four

A useful way to think about a 12 step prayer in the morning is that it “sets the channel” for decision-making. It does not remove effort, consequences, or responsibility; it reduces mental noise so you can do the next small, effective thing. By confronting past mistakes, you begin to put the past behind and embrace a brighter, healthier future. Those who receive an amends see firsthand that people with use disorders can and do recover, becoming healthy, happy http://operandosa.com/smoking-alcohol-consumption-can-make-you-look/ and productive community members.

Before you begin making amends, you need to have completed Step 8, which involves creating a list of people you’ve harmed. Your AA sponsor will help you review this list of persons and determine the specific actions needed for each situation. As a part of my recovery process, I have reflected on my behavior and realized that I have hurt you in the past though my___________. I do not expect anything in return and sincerely appreciate you taking the time to (read or listen) to me. An AA morning prayer is a brief request for guidance at the start of the day, often connected to Step 11 prayer and meditation. Many people use it to set an intention to stay sober, act honestly, and respond calmly to stress.