For these reasons, living amends we do not initiate the process of amends without significant input from our sponsors. It is their job to make sure we make amends in the right way and for the right reasons. This is a very sensitive process, and we need help to make sure we don’t hurt ourselves and others.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is completely free – there are no fees to join an AA group.
- It is important to remember that indulging in selfish acts can impede our spiritual progress.
- A spiritual awakening, as described in the Big Book, is the internal shift that occurs as we work the steps—a complete transformation in our thinking, attitudes, and way of life.
Goals and Objectives of Alcoholics Anonymous
The Big Book describes “sanity” in Step 2 as being restored from the mental obsession—the irrational thinking that drives us back to substances despite knowing the harm they cause. It’s not about perfection but freedom from the destructive cycle of addiction. This step isn’t asking us to define or understand a Higher Power fully, only to become open to the idea that help exists beyond our own strength. Whether we call it God, nature, or spiritual principles, the focus is on spiritual openness, not religious doctrine.
- This step is accompanied by the terrible realization that we have no control over the response of the people we have harmed.
- This process is not focused on seeking forgiveness but rather on taking responsibility for our past actions.
- I do not expect anything in return and sincerely appreciate you taking the time to (read or listen) to me.
- What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control.
Maximum Rehab Stay: How Long Can You Be in Treatment?
There is no denying that taking step nine takes tremendous courage. You may have a list of people you want to make amends to personally. Kayla holds over 6 years of experience in the rehab space, including in-house content management at a leading treatment center. She believes addiction and mental health issues are universal human experiences that can serve as important entry points onto a path toward self-realization and well-being. Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals.
Navigating Challenges in the 12 Steps of AA: Tips and Tools
At AAC, our team is here to talk with you about getting started with addiction treatment. We can help you understand how to use health insurance coverage for rehab, how to find the right facility for your needs and more. Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-Step program designed to help participants achieve and maintain sobriety by attending regular meetings and working through each of the 12 Steps in sequence. Here, we’ll explore Step 9 of AA, how to complete this step, how to find a 12-Step recovery support group, and how you can find a treatment program that meets your needs. Begin your letter with a brief explanation of why you are writing.
Steps 8 and 9 of AA allow you to move out of the shame of addiction, which only fuels heroin addiction the cycle of substance abuse. When you commit yourself to repairing relationships, you strengthen and reinforce healthy, long-term recovery. The 12 steps are detailed in the ‘Big Book’ of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is the foundational text for the organization. Specifically, the steps are located in the chapter titled ‘How It Works’ in the first part of the book. This chapter outlines each step, explaining its significance and how individuals can approach them as part of their recovery journey. The book serves not only to explain the steps but also to provide personal stories and experiences from members that illustrate the principles in action.
- By writing a fearless moral inventory, we uncover the exact nature of our wrongs, including unresolved resentments, fears, and harms we’ve caused.
- Well, the time came to continue my living amends to her and redo her entire master suite, including her bathroom.
- There are some important things you must know and do to successfully make 9th step amends.
- This could be a grandfather that passed away, or an old friend, colleague, or relationship that is unwilling to meet with you for the amends; a not-so-uncommon occurrence for people like us.
- Many AA participants find that dividing up the list you created in the 8th step helps them approach step 9.