I’ve been working with people in recovery since 2003. Specifically, the last few years I’ve had the privilege of treating individuals with Substance Abuse related issues. Before I knew much about the 12-step Recovery Programs (i.e. AA & NA) I had many mis-perceptions which largely stemmed from my own ignorance. Today I feel blessed to have seen first hand these programs changing the lives of recovering persons every day.
One aspect of the 12 step model focuses on making amends to those we’ve wronged. This starts first with taking a moral inventory of one’s self, making a list of personal defects and wrongs committed against others and working towards making amends to those individuals.
That kind of character analysis is courageous if you ask me. And countless recovering addicts attempt this sort of challenge in their sobriety. How many non-addicted persons dare to take such a microscope to their character?
People in recovery talk a lot about learning to make amends for their past wrongs. They often admit that making amends has to be more than just a promise to change or an apology. They say “You have to make a Living Amends. I can say to the people I love that I’m going to change but I’ve said that before so why should they believe me? I have to live the amends.”
When we want so badly for others to show us the change we want them to make, let’s ask ourselves “How am I living the change in my life?” We can’t keep promising change and then waiting for our action to catch up to our intentions.
