What Is Step 8 of AA?

Each step plays an important role in helping people overcome their alcohol dependence.

Step 8 can be particularly important as a way to mend social relationships and rebuildsocial supportsystems.

At a Glance

Alcohol and substance use have devastating effects on families and relationships.

Chairs in a circle

Willing to Make Amends?.Getty Images

Step 8 focuses on addressing these harms and making amends.

During this step, you may apologize for your actions and work to rectify the people you’ve hurt.

This can be challenging, and mixed reactions are expected.

Humbling yourself, giving a sincere apology, and allowing them to decide if they can forgive are essential.

The eighth step involves making amends with others who may have been harmed by your alcohol or drug use.

The goal of this step is to end isolation from others.

However, like most of the 12 steps, this is not necessarily a one-time event.

It is a process that continues to unfold as more is revealed.

For many Al-Anon members, the first person on their list is a relative with analcohol use disorder.

But you do have to be honest with yourself.

If this happens, it’s important to seek help.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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