No one really wants to live with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or depression. As human beings, we are programmed to be social creatures. This does not mean that some of us are not introverted, especially in sobriety. It just goes to say that we interact with others and continue to be part of a thriving society.

That begs the question: how do we compensate for the behaviors we engaged in during active addiction that we would otherwise rather not think about? Well, first we must admit to ourselves that we did act in one way or another. Once we do so, we can start to assess any ways in which we may have hurt other people or reacted in a way that was not in other’s best interests. From here, we can begin the amends process.

Making amends may help assuage us, though approaching it as so can increase our not-so-positive feelings if the other individual does not respond in the way you had hoped they would. We set high expectations that everyone will forgive us as we know that our behaviors were directly in response to our addiction. However, we cannot force someone else to be on the same timeline as we are. Therefore, they may not forgive us. Making amends is truly for those in our lives that we have hurt whether they want to accept our apology or not.

Making Amends and the 12-Steps

Getting sober is the first step, then comes recovery. Recovery requires the same hard work you put into your active addiction but focused on a substance-free existence. There are many avenues you can take to help you continue daily recovery.

Making Amends: Is This to Make You Feel Better or For Them?

12-Step programs, such as AA and NA, have established steps to take to aid you in managing your recovery. Making amends is a big part of this process. In 12-Step Programs, step 8 is all about making amends: “We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” Step 9 continues this journey: “We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” Sponsors are a wonderful resource to guide you in making your amends as well as in coping with the outcomes of doing so.

Where Can I Turn For Help Getting Sober Before Making Amends?

Along with peer group support meetings, the trained professionals, such as those at Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee, can help guide you to a life free of alcohol and mind-altering substances. We understand that 12-Step programs can play a crucial role in you maintaining your recovery and thus base our programs off a 12-Step attitude. Our alternative recovery program has an amazing combination of trained professionals who utilize a 12-step philosophy: 12-Step recovery meetings, sponsorship, sustained work on the 12 Steps, and continued events and communication. Call us today at 1-800-725-0922 to start your drug and alcohol- free life! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you kick opiates, alcohol, cannabis, and other mind-altering habits.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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