There are many obstacles to getting sober and staying sober. One of them is reconciling the mistakes of the past. This is what the Ninth Step of 12-Step recovery is all about. It is about making amends for past misdeeds in order to move on with a healthy and free future.
Better Understanding Addiction
Addiction affects millions of people every day, both in the U.S. and around the world. Yet, many people are still confused about what addiction actually is.
Many people see addiction as some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is a fallacy. Addiction is a disease. It is a disease that is closer to other chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes than it is some type of choice. Addiction is also a “family disease,” because it affects everyone involved not just the individual struggling. However, just as the family is affected, they are also in the best position to affect change. But they have to know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction are going to vary based on the individual. However, some universal signs tend to be present across the board. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking or using
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, many people may minimize addiction. However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why, if any, or all of these symptoms are present, reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. One way of reaching out is via the Twelve Steps.
What Are the Twelve Steps?
The Twelve Steps of recovery is a set of principles that can be used to guide one to, through, and beyond getting sober. They begin with a willingness to accept that there is a problem and continue with a willingness to be honest with oneself.
The Twelve Steps also tend to encourage the adoption of a “Higher Power,” but it is important to remember that a higher power need not be religious; it just has to be something that can be relied upon when times get tough (and should never be oneself).
It is also important that someone find a sponsor to guide them through the Twelve Steps. This can be someone who has already gone through the steps and “works” a good recovery program themselves. This sponsor is also the one who can best guide an individual through the Ninth Step of recovery.
Understanding the Ninth Step of Recovery
The Ninth Step states, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” Ultimately, this means apologizing for past behaviors that happened when one was in active addiction.
However, the Ninth Step is more than merely saying that one is “sorry.” It is about showing others that one is willing to change and live a life that will give to others rather than take. It is also about taking accountability.
Overcoming the Ninth Step of 12-Step Recovery
Many people fear the Ninth Step because they are afraid of how others will react when they apologize. However, it is important to remember that amends are as much about saying “sorry” as they are about creating a sense of freedom in oneself.
Once an individual completes the Ninth Step, they will no longer have to worry about who they have wronged or having their past come back to “haunt ” them. They will truly be free to live the life that sobriety has promised. A life of possibility rather than restrictions.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our plans are comprehensive and individualized, with a focus on the future. This includes incorporating the Twelve Steps.
Sobriety and the Ninth Step are about living a life of freedom–a life “beyond one’s wildest dreams.” That dream can be a reality as long as one is willing to take the first step and ask for help.
Many people who choose to take the 12-Step path of recovery get stuck on the Ninth Step. This is the “amends step.” Often, this happens out of fear. It can help break down the Ninth Step and work on it with a sponsor to remove some of this fear. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the Twelve Steps of recovery and other treatments, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.