Accepting outcomes and working towards rebuilding relationships fosters closure and living amends forward movement in recovery. Like the definition says, amends is something we do to make up for something we feel guilty for. It is different from an apology, which is “a regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure”. An apology doesn’t include an action that attempts to make up or compensate for that wrongdoing. That is also a different ball of wax entirely, one that we have written about here. We are not tied to the old behaviors of our disease, or to our character defects.
What’s the Difference between Making Amends and Offering an Apology?
Unlike apologies, they involve concrete actions to restore trust, right the wrongs we made and rebuild relationships as we demonstrate our changed behavior. Living Amends is committed to helping people in the Central Texas area stay sober for extended periods of time. However, we do not pay for anyone’s entire stay in their sober living community because we also recognize each person’s need to have stakes in marijuana addiction the process.
Teen Guide To Health (e-book)
If you don’t see the sober living facility you want to attend listed above, we welcome you to contact us online. Think of amends as actions taken that demonstrate your new way of life in recovery, whereas apologies are basically words. When you make amends, you acknowledge and align your values to your actions by admitting wrongdoing and then living by your principles. You have to be honest with yourself about whether you have a valid reason to opt out of direct amends. Just keep in mind that you should never use the concept of living amends to run away from an apology. One very effective way to make amends is to go to Treatment.
Living Amends
Some thought and planning needs to go into it for the best possible outcome. On the flipside of the same AA coin, it is equally important that you don’t procrastinate making amends. Because, based on experience, many recovering individuals have relapsed when they allowed their fears to keep them from doing Step Nine.
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Approaching step nine can spread anxiety and fear in the hearts of many of those going through the AA program. This is true regardless of whether you choose to take the living or the direct routes. Apologizing in this way may open the door to continued healing, growth, and restored relationships in recovery. Making amends can also reduce stress, by addressing past wrongs may prevent future conflicts that could jeopardize sobriety. Resolve to work at making things better between you and keeping your promises.
Don’t settle for an apology.
Early in my recovery, I learned neither my son nor my husband was listening to anything I said. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
Your Future Starts at Silvermist
When making amends to someone in active addiction, safeguard your own health and recovery. This might mean delaying the amends or finding alternative ways to demonstrate your commitment to change without putting yourself at risk. The goal is to maintain your recovery while striving to make things right.
- We strengthen and reinforce healthy recovery whenever we do our part to repair relationships or reach out to others with support and understanding.
- However, they may suddenly feel guilty and decide to change their ways.
- If we are honest and sincere about our amends, then we will not repeat those mistakes, and we will not rush people to forgiveness.
- Unlike fixing an object you broke, repairing the damage won’t come from a one-time act.
This distinction helps us grow a healthier self-image, reliance upon our Higher Power, and promotes lasting recovery. Don’t forget, when you really work this step painstakingly and make amends, the 9th step promises begin to come true and you will be amazed before you are halfway through. Part of my living amends is also being the friend my friends deserve and the employee my employers hired in good faith. Living amends touches deep parts of our lives and souls if we allow them. My living amends to my mother is to be fully present in my life so I can be fully present in hers. If you are unsure whether we will work with your sober living community, please contact Living Amends today.
How Living Amends Positively Impacts Recovery Outcomes
- While still very new to this, most of my prayers are simple.
- AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous and is similar to Celebrate Recovery.
I have also joined up with a group of musicians who get together before meetings and play music. It’s been a really great experience to do that sober, with other sober people! I hope to continue getting pet sitting opportunities as well.
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