How to Start Making Amends During Recovery

While under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we often say and do things that we wouldn’t have otherwise done. While in recovery, it’s important that you not only focus on your own mental and physical well-being, but that you sought out your loved ones and make amends during recovery.

Letting go of the past, no matter how difficult or painful to do, is a non-negotiable part of being made whole again. Easier said than done, isn’t it? These tips will help you gain the confidence you need to take these steps.

Forgive Yourself and Apologize to Loved Ones 

If we’re being honest, sometimes the person you wronged more than anyone else during your addiction was yourself. That’s why you need to extend a forgiving attitude toward yourself first before you can truly continue making amends during recovery.

Likewise, reflect on your time under the influence, is there someone in your life you lost touch with because of your addictions?

One way to start making amends during recovery is to reach out with an open-ended apology. You may not be able to earn forgiveness for some things instantly. Yet, by making an effort, you are showing the people you care for that they matter enough to merit the effort.

Enrolling in a 12 Step Recovery Program

Considered among many as the “holy grail of substance abuse” the 12 step recovery program treats more than the addiction itself, it also helps you reflect on what could contribute to your addiction. Much like a chronic illness, you can relapse after cleansing yourself of negative substance abuse. The 12 step recovery program helps prevent this and is often complemented with another program, such as:

• One-on-one talk therapy
• Group therapy
• Anger management
• Trauma therapy
• Dual diagnosis treatment

If you want to start making amends during recovery, you need to first understand the indefinite nature of recovery. There is no deadline to have this figured out. Just like with any other illness, you will have to pace yourself to cope with continuing symptoms.

Making Amends During Recovery at Beaches Recovery

There comes a time in all of our lives when some of the bridges we used to have between people get burned. That’s okay. That’s not a sign of failure or weakness, it’s just an unfortunate part of being human. Still, you shouldn’t wallow in self-pity when it happens.

As you go through the process of making amends with others in your life, you may need to seek support from new people. The easiest way to take a detour back to your life’s main path? Start building new bridges.

At Beaches Recovery, we believe that every person deserves as many chances as they can get to make their life right. This is why we stress the vitality of constant communication. If you would like to start making amends during recovery, contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532.