Woman triumphant with hands up on beach

What Is the Definition of Sobriety?

Being sober means not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.1 In recovery, it often means more: an ongoing commitment to live without substance use, build healthier routines, manage difficult emotions, and create a more stable life. The exact path can differ from one person to another. For some people, sobriety means complete abstinence.…

A person discussing Step 9 of AA

Step 9 in AA: Making Amends

Step 9 in AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) involves making direct amends to those harmed by one’s addiction, except when doing so would injure them or others. This step is necessary in the recovery process, as it helps people take responsibility for their actions and begin repairing the damage caused by their addiction. This living amends step,…