Thinking about Step Nine
"Made direct amends to such people whenever possible,
except when to do so would injure them or others."
Step 9: Making amends is not easy. None of these amends came simply, but with consultation with a sponsor and other AAs, prayers, and guidance from a Higher Power. This process is scary, but vital in our recovery from alcoholism.
A member who had embezzled a large amount of money from an employer writes in a 2006 Grapevine story that his sponsor advised him to turn himself in and make amends, he initially says no.
"I knew that I really had no choice. I wanted the Promises that are promised to each of us. I needed this lifted from my shoulders, or I would drink again." Because of this amends he spends 18 months in jail, but realizes, "when I am released, I will be 6 years sober, a free man with no baggage or secrets."
Scary as this process is, it is vital in our recovery from alcoholism. "We are willing, we have to be," the Big Book says. "We must not shrink at anything."
Article from Real AAs, Real Recovery "Step By Step"