PRIDE stopped me from making amends to those who I thought had wronged me, but my sponsor stressed that clearing away the wreckage of the past through making amends, is an integral part of the recovery process, whilst holding profound significance in preserving and deepening my sobriety. We spent many agonising Sunday nights going through Steps Eight and Nine when he also instilled in me the importance of making amends. This would allow me to heal emotional wounds, repair fractured relationships, and build a solid foundation for my sobriety.

The hardest amends were to my family. Whilst I was in the grip of active alcoholism one of my burgeoning resentments was that I was ostracised from my family. It was only through the power of this Programme and a solid sponsor that I came to see that it was my behaviour and drinking that forced everyone to flee for cover. I received so much help from my family, but I ended up biting the hand that fed me – and in my twisted mind I thought that they had rejected me. I have been one of the fortunate ones – I got sober and have stayed sober.

Through my work in Step Nine I was able to make amends and take responsibility for my actions and behaviour. My family saw that I was able to demonstrate a commitment to change and growth, both for myself and the people I care about, and after a time I was accepted back into the family. I look back now with fondness that my poor mother, before she passed, was able to see how my life had changed and how I reaped the rewards of being a sober member of AA.

Step Nine has shown me that sobriety is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about embracing personal growth, healing and building relationships to live a fulfilling life. Making amends is a testament to our commitment to that journey, helping me move forward with renewed strength and purpose on the path to continued growth and sobriety. I can meet and look anyone in the eye now I am living this Programme, knowing I have made amends and cleaned my side of the street. Thank you.

FRANK, Burnage Tuesday