If you’re working to overcome an addiction, several challenges lie ahead of you – not least of which is the fact that you will need to repair the relationships you damaged when you were actively drinking or using drugs. Once substance use became the top priority in your life, it’s highly likely you overlooked your bonds with close friends and family members, eventually driving them away with your self-destructive behavior. 

Now that you’re in recovery, you’ve realized that you need sober supporters to help motivate you to keep making progress and achieve your goals. How can you make amends to people you hurt and rebuild relationships that will continue to benefit you in the future?

The Benefits of Making Amends in Recovery

You may be focusing all your efforts on looking forward, not dwelling on the mistakes you’ve made in the past. With that mindset, why would you want to revisit the damage you did when you were in active addiction? Wouldn’t it be better to move on and let time heal those wounds? 

In truth, making amends represents your sincere desire to become a better person, which is why two of the 12 steps specifically focus on amends. Not only will the process be a personal milestone for you, but it will also help reassure the people you’ve hurt that you are no longer in thrall to drugs and alcohol. 

Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you have gone through and who forgive you will be tremendously valuable in the long run. These sober supporters can provide you with a sense of accountability and remind you of all the progress you’ve made toward breaking the cycle of addiction.

You Are Worth Redemption

To rebuild relationships and create your sober support network, you must first have faith in your ability to do so. Making amends in recovery means developing a trust that you are a good person, and that you deserve to be healthy, happy and well. 

Making amends is different from merely saying, “I’m sorry.” You must be willing to take full ownership of the harm you caused and actively work to repair it, which means your mental attitude will need an adjustment. Reaching out and reestablishing connections with the people you have lied to, cheated on, stolen from or physically harmed will take time and effort on your part, but making amends may help restore those relationships, despite the damage. In doing so, you’ll provide yourself and the ones you care about with a sense of closure and allow you to move forward with rebuilt confidence. 

Believe in Yourself

At Spearhead Lodge, we believe everyone has the power to make a full recovery from the disease of addiction and to free themselves from the suffering substance abuse causes. We offer long-term, evidence-based addiction treatment for young men who are working to overcome substance misuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Contact us today to learn more about our program offerings and advantages.