The 12 Step Program requires a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves continues as we look at \”Amends.\” One must realize in their drug rehab process, they are to be fully engaged in taking responsibility for the wreckage they have brought upon themselves and others through the actions and by their choices they chose to take. After this it is now time for them to take full responsibility by making yet another \”list\” of those they had harmed and become willing to make direct amends if possible to them. With one exception to the rule which is if it would do more harm then good to themselves or others. Remember recovery is not for making excuses for one\’s behavior, just the opposite. People really do need people. People can and do recover and return to a solid base to live out their life\’s journey.

Let us glance back in our own minds and \”clean house,\” \”sweep our own side of the street.\” Take our burdens, issues to the altar, then according to a simple truth go make things right. Once we have our relationship right with the God of our understanding, then it is required of us to get right with others. Remembering, we are not asking them to get right with us for any wrongs we feel they have done against us; on the contrary, we are the ones making amends for the wrongs we did to them.

The 12 Promises start off by stating \”If we are painstaking about the phrase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.\” Think about this statement \”we look back to move forward.\” We each understand that taking the latter has in fact set us up to continue to succeed in our recovery to self, spirituality and others. People really do need people.

Taking responsibility for our own actions keeps us honest and focused on our own drug rehabilitation, not others. \”I can choose to change, I can choose to influence, I can\’t change you.\” The Big Book list Steps in Chapter 6, \”Into Action.\” Here are simple principles to keep recovery working and not fall back into resentments or regrets. It commands asking, not requiring, for us to take a responsible inventory of those we had harmed while acting out of our selfishness. It is asking, not requiring, for us to put others first so as to continue in the right recovery relationship. Making amends the Big Book states \”a sincere desire to set right the wrong.\”

So how is any of this possible? I have confessed to myself, God and another human being the exact nature of my wrong. I\’m feeling good within self and now I\’m given the task to \”set things right?\” Here would be a good place to say the Serenity Prayer: \”God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.\” If we truly want to be happy, joyous and free, we will do the next right thing. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. To make the list fresh in our recovery will grow cold, unless followed through immediately and as quickly as possible. Sometimes amends can\’t be made face to face. Letters, phone calls or if that person is deceased, we might write them a letter and tie it to a balloon and send it to the heavens. One might be able to set right the wrong by talking to another family member or others involved with those we need to make amends to. Whatever the method, we must do it for sobriety sake!

Not all amends are relationship related. Making amends is not the time for you to get \”even\” by placing blame on others behaviors. This is about you and you alone for your rehabilitation to succeed. Setting the wrongs right might be difficult, however seek advice from your sponsor, clergy or others. You will know what the next right thing is to do, just do it with a sincere heart so you too can \”sleep on a windy night\” once again.

Learn more at www.valleyhope.org or
www.valleyhope.org/drug-rehab-alcohol-rehab-aboutus.aspx.

Learn more at http://www.valleyhope.org or
http://www.valleyhope.org/drug-rehab-alcohol-rehab-aboutus.aspx

Author Bio: Learn more at www.valleyhope.org or
www.valleyhope.org/drug-rehab-alcohol-rehab-aboutus.aspx.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: drug rehab centers, Making Amends, drug and alcohol treatment centers, 12 Step Program, Forgivenss