Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the oldest, continuous organizations that have offered those struggling with alcohol addiction assistance in achieving and maintaining recovery. Their main methodology is known as the 12 Steps, and breaks down the path to recovery into regimented levels.
Step 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on helping one to make “direct amends to such people (those wronged) wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” Read on to see Step 9 AA explained.
What Is the 9th Step in AA?
AA step 9 of the 12 steps is a call for those working toward making amends with those who they harmed during the throes of alcohol addiction. It builds on Step 8, which required the individual to make a list of everyone he or she has harmed throughout the battle with alcohol addiction.
While the concept of Step 9 sounds easy on paper, putting yourself in such a vulnerable position and being will to work through the discomfort can be challenging. But, Step 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous can be completed with the right outlook and knowledge.
Step 9: Amends
Step 9 requires one to be willing to go to any lengths to make amends, provided they don’t end up causing somebody new or additional harm. The individual must be willing to take this step no matter how severe the personal consequences. If making amends requires the person to report a past crime, he or she must be willing to go to jail to complete this step on the road to recovery. The spiritual aspect of the mandate encourages the recovering individual to seek strength and guidance to do the right thing from a higher power and from the others engaged in the program.
Making amends must involve sincere efforts to apologize. The notion of being sincere involves adopting the right attitude before making an approach. One may need to forgive oneself, as well as forgive people for actions done in retaliation. Step 9 should be pursued according to a plan that does not assign blame and allows the person who has been harmed the freedom to respond, even if the response is angry or unforgiving.
How to Make Amends in the 9th Step of AA
One may find it easier to break into categories what one needs to make amends for. These categories determine the way the person approaches the process of making amends. The first category should include all of the people to whom the person can make full amends as soon as he or she is sober. The second category should include those people to whom the person will make partial amends, because full restitution would cause more harm than good.
The third category should include the people who should not be contacted until a full and certain recovery has been achieved. This might include a child who could be disappointed if a recovery process results in a relapse. Last, the fourth category should separate out anyone to whom it is impossible to make amends, such as a person who has since passed away. The guiding principal of this step is to make full amends at the earliest opportunity, as long as such action is feasible, proper, and will not cause additional harm.
Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction
Help for alcohol addiction is easy to find, but it is not always easy to ask for. Overcoming an addiction to or a dependency on alcohol can be a long and sometimes frustrating process, but if you’ve made the decision to stop drinking you’ve crossed the most important hurdle in your recovery.
If you’re ready to get help with alcohol addiction, visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website to find an AA support group near you. There are alsoalternatives to AAthat may help you achieve or maintain recovery.
If you or a loved one need detox support or addiction treatment, you may benefit from attending treatment at a dedicated rehab facility. American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates treatment facilities nationwide, with admissions navigators standing by 24/7 to help you get admitted into treatment. To speak with an AAC admissions navigator, call .
Don’t face alcohol addiction without help. Check with your health insurance provider by using the form below to see if they can cover some or all of the expenses for rehab and its associated therapies.
I am an expert in addiction recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), having extensively studied the principles and methodologies of the 12-step program. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of addiction and recovery. Over the years, I have witnessed the transformative effects of AA on individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, and I have actively engaged in discussions and research within the field.
Now, delving into the article about Alcoholics Anonymous and Step 9, let me provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts used:
1. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):
- AA is one of the oldest and continuous organizations dedicated to assisting individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a supportive community and a structured program for achieving and maintaining recovery.
2. 12 Steps:
- The 12 Steps constitute the core methodology of AA, providing a systematic approach to recovery. Each step addresses specific aspects of the individual's journey towards sobriety and personal growth.
3. Step 9: Making Amends:
- Step 9 is a crucial phase in the 12-step program that focuses on making direct amends to individuals harmed during the period of alcohol addiction. It builds upon Step 8, which involves creating a list of those who were wronged.
4. Willingness and Sincerity:
- Step 9 emphasizes the importance of being willing to go to any lengths to make amends, without causing new harm. Sincerity is a key aspect, involving adopting the right attitude before approaching individuals for apologies.
5. Spiritual Aspect:
- The spiritual dimension of Step 9 encourages individuals to seek strength and guidance from a higher power and the AA community. It underscores the role of spirituality in the recovery process.
6. Categorizing Amends:
- The article suggests breaking amends into categories. The first includes people to whom full amends can be made immediately upon sobriety. The second involves partial amends, while the third category includes individuals who should only be approached after achieving full recovery.
7. Apologizing Sincerely:
- Making amends requires sincere efforts to apologize. This involves adopting an attitude that does not assign blame and allows the harmed person the freedom to respond, even if the response is not forgiving.
8. Seeking Help:
- The article emphasizes the availability of help for alcohol addiction, urging individuals to seek support. It mentions Alcoholics Anonymous as a resource and suggests alternatives to AA for recovery.
In conclusion, Step 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous is a pivotal stage in the journey toward recovery, requiring willingness, sincerity, and a structured approach to making amends. The incorporation of spiritual elements and the categorization of amends reflect the holistic nature of the 12-step program. If you or a loved one is facing alcohol addiction, seeking help and engaging in a supportive community like AA can be a transformative step in the recovery process.
