AA Step 9: Made direct amend to such people wherever possible.
While the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has helped people achieve spiritual, mental, and emotional growth and long-term recovery, many may face difficulty in completing Step 9.1 In AA Step 9, members make amends with the people they have harmed during active addiction.2 While it can seem challenging to approach people with the vulnerability and honesty needed to complete Step 9, this step can bring you closer to recovery by teaching accountability and the significance of forgiveness.3
Understanding what Step 9 of AA requires, and how to prepare to complete it can help you achieve long-term recovery.
What is step 9 of AA?
Step 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous is “made direct amend to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”2 Completing this step requires repairing relationships with people you have wronged.3 The only exceptions are cases where engaging with someone would cause serious emotional or physical harm to them or others.3 This step encourages members to carefully consider how their confessions will affect the person and themselves.3
What is the purpose of step 9 of AA?
AA Step 9 serves as a culmination of the preceding steps. Before Step 9, members learn to recognize their character flaws and take accountability to change them.2 Step 9 of AA is where you exhibit all the growth you’ve achieved so far. Members use courage and humility to confront those they have wronged, fighting the fear of possible rejection.3 This step is essential because it teaches members how to handle difficult situations without returning to substance use.3
Apologizing to others can also break the chains of guilt and shame that can hold you back in your recovery journey.6 Whether the people you must make amends with accept or decline your apology, you’ll no longer carry the burdens of your wrongdoings. This step can lead members closer to recovery as they recognize and take responsibility for how their actions affect others.3
How to complete step 9 of AA?
Completing the 12 steps in order is vital to benefit most from the program.4 p. 27 In Step 8, members must list the people they have harmed and prepare to make amends.2 The Twelve Steps This brings you to Step 9 of AA, where you take action. Here are some guidelines on how to complete Step 9 of AA:3
- Reflect carefully on each instance. Think about how you’ve affected each person to make a heartfelt apology. Ensure your confessions are sincere by moving at your own pace.
- Have the right attitude. Feelings of guilt, reluctance, and fear can come up at the thought of confronting the people you’ve done wrong to. Take time to work through those feelings and prepare yourself for any outcome.
- Carefully prioritize people. The Step 9 literature states, “We cannot buy our own peace of mind at the expense of others.”3 Using discretion in who you confront is essential. Remember to omit those who your apology could severely harm.
- Make amends. Apologize to each person on your list. Offer to make things right in any way you can.
How to find a 12-step AA program
You can find AA programs in many ways. Rehab programs often incorporate 12-Step philosophy to supplement evidence-based treatment and addiction aftercare.5 Many also attend AA meetings instead of seeking professional treatment.1 What is A.A.?
AA 12-Step programs are free and available nationwide.1 Search for local meetings near you on the AA website or your county’s AA chapter.6 You can also find 12-Step meetings on the rehabs.com treatment directory.
Start Your Recovery
Recovery is generally the most effective with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment.5 Addiction specialists utilize expert-backed therapeutic interventions, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and addiction education, to help you recognize and change the behaviors contributing to substance use disorder (SUD).5 AA 12-Step programs can complement professional care as you foster relationships with peers on similar paths.5
Embarking on your recovery journey can be a vital step to potentially life-changing care. Our admissions navigators can verify your insurance and guide you through the process. Contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to learn more about AA and addiction treatment.