A large part of recovery is the personal growth a person will experience. 12-step meetings and addiction rehab are critical components for recovery because they provide the framework for a person to experience that growth. Going through a 12-step recovery program can be incredibly useful for people trying to get sober. Made for alcoholics specifically, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the program that started the 12-step recovery trend, and it remains one of the best ways for people to maintain sobriety and recover from alcohol addiction.
Learning about the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can give crucial insight into the recovery process. Step eight is one of the most difficult for many people. If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more about 12-step programs such as AA, you can contact Ashwood Recovery. We have years of experience administering these programs and have helped thousands of people with alcohol addiction successfully reach sobriety. Call us at 888.341.3607 to learn more about the comprehensive treatments and therapies we offer.
What Is the Purpose of Step Eight of AA?
The eighth step of AA says, “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” It sounds simple when condensed into a single sentence, but it is one of the most challenging steps. If step four is about honestly looking at yourself, step eight is about doing the same thing with your relationships. It can be difficult for people suffering from alcohol addiction to recognize the harm they have caused, whether directly or indirectly, as they are actively in the grip of addiction.
When a person is willing to repair the damage they have done, they take action to lessen the hurt, grief, and conflict caused by their addiction. Doing this also reduces their guilt regarding their addiction, which can help prevent relapses. Another critical facet of step eight is being able to make choices that consider the welfare of others, trading personal interest or satisfaction for the greater good. This step requires a person to commit to making sacrifices to repair relationships and make amends with the people they have harmed.
Examples of Step Eight of AA
Step eight of AA is the beginning of the process of making amends. You don’t need to do anything just yet, but committing to making amends is essential. It is futile to attempt something you are not willing to do. By being ready to make amends, you can begin to be forgiven by others and begin to forgive yourself.
Some examples of people that are deserving of amends include:
- Children of alcoholic parents – Children may be neglected or abused, whether intentionally or unintentionally, by parents who suffer from alcohol addiction.
- Partners of alcoholic spouses – Dealing with a partner’s alcohol dependency or addiction can be stressful. People addicted to alcohol are often less able to provide support and more prone to physical and emotional violence.
- Employees of an alcoholic boss – An employer or boss expects to guide their employees towards success. Being addicted to alcohol can disrupt a person’s ability to make good choices or provide the support that the employees need in their work.
- Students of an alcoholic teacher – Teachers serve as educators and guardians for the students under their care. While in the grips of alcohol addiction, it becomes much more difficult for a teacher to teach effectively and ensure that each student gets the attention they deserve.
Step eight is going to be different for each individual. The key to success is to be brave enough to see the damage caused to other people and be willing to make amends, even if the personal cost is great.
Begin a 12-Step Program at Ashwood Recovery
If you need more information about 12-step programs or want to begin a 12-step program, you can contact Ashwood Recovery. Ashwood Recovery is an addiction and mental health treatment center in Boise, Idaho. Our staff work with our patients to tailor treatment to their specific needs. Many people suffering from alcohol addiction find 12-step programs to be a crucial component of life in recovery, and we offer treatments and therapies to help support those types of programs. Call 888.341.3607 today to learn more and get started on the road to recovery.