What Does Making Amends Mean?

What’s the Difference Between Making Amends and an Apology?

An apology is expressing regret or saying sorry for causing harm to someone. Amends often include apologies, but they go beyond words. Making an amend means taking accountability and action to repair any damages done. Through these restorative actions, you demonstrate your commitment to change.

What Are Challenges With Making Amends?

Making amends is hard. It’s common to struggle with feelings of guilt or shame. And it can be intimidating to be uncertain about how the other person will react. 

It’s possible to be too early in the healing journey to start making amends. If you’re actively using drugs or alcohol, making amends can seem like an empty gesture to the other person. While you may genuinely want to repair your relationships, it’s a good idea to focus on your sobriety first. This looks different for different people. For example, some people may require medically supervised detox as a first step, followed by residential alcohol treatment.  

As challenging as making amends may seem, remember: you’re human. We make mistakes from time to time. Owning past mistakes and taking action to correct them shows huge growth. 

How to Make Amends

Amends are personal—there’s no right or wrong way to do them. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can apply these general steps to your own process:

1. Acknowledge What Happened

Recognize and acknowledge your behaviors that caused harm to someone else. 

2. Take Responsibility

Accept responsibility for the impact of your actions on others.

3. Make a List

You may have a list of people you want to make amends to personally. If you’re following the 12 Steps, making a list is Step 8.

4. Express Remorse

Apologize for the hurt you caused. Keep in mind that sincerity goes a long way; apologizing for the sake of it can backfire. 

5. Take Action

Take action to correct past mistakes—for example, paying someone back.

6. Commit to Change

Show that you take growth seriously by changing harmful behaviors.

7. Be Patient and Understanding

Be willing to listen to the other person’s point of view. They might not forgive you right away, and that’s okay.

Making Amends Examples

Here are some examples of what making amends can look like: 

Apologizing for the Way You Behaved

You may have damaged a relationship by saying things you didn’t mean while under the influence. In this scenario, you can start by acknowledging your past behavior. You could reach out to the other person and ask them if they’re open to talking to you. If they are, making amends might include apologizing in person, acknowledging the harm caused, and outlining steps to rebuild your trust. (This is an example of a direct amend.)

Committing to Family Therapy 

Substance abuse hurts the people around us, especially family members. In this case, you may have strained family relationships. Making amends involves opening up a conversation with your family member again and demonstrating your dedication to staying sober. You could commit to family therapy, where you’ll learn to rebuild healthy connections. (This is an example of a direct and living amend.) 

When Not to Make Amends

Making amends can help you repair your relationships. However, there are situations where it might not be appropriate. If approaching the other person opens up old wounds or re-traumatizes them, making amends isn’t advisable. If interacting with someone re-traumatizes you, or increases your risk of relapse, you might want to reconsider approaching them. 

How to Respond to Someone Who Makes Amends

It’s hard to find the right response to someone making amends. You likely have a lot of emotions surrounding the situation. That’s normal, and you don’t have to respond right away. It takes time and courage to listen with an open heart. 

When you’re ready to receive someone’s amends, certain practices can make the process smoother: 

• Listen with an open mind.
• Take your time.
• Be honest about your feelings.
• Set clear boundaries. 
• Be open to forgiving the other person. 
• Focus on your own healing.

How Making Amends Benefits Your Recovery

Substance abuse ruins our relationship² with ourselves and others. Making amends empowers you to start repairing that damage, and benefits your healing journey in many ways: 

• Repairing trust takes time, but can lead to an even stronger relationship. 
• Taking responsibility for past mistakes grows your personal accountability.
• Taking action shows your commitment to change. 
• Addressing your past wrongs can relieve feelings of guilt or shame. 
• You may find closure by addressing unresolved issues. 
• Making amends enhances your empathy and understanding. 

Find Support and Connect With Others

Making amends is challenging, but the outcome can be one of the most rewarding parts of recovery. After all, connection is the cornerstone of healing.

When you’re ready to make amends, you can find support to guide you through the process. Connect with 12-Step treatment programs to start planning your recovery.