North Central Ohio AA Intergroup

Step 9 – Make Amends

Step Nine is where recovery becomes action. We take responsibility for the harm we caused and make things right whenever we can—without creating more harm. Amends are not just about saying “I’m sorry.” They are about changing how we live, repairing what we can, and moving forward with honesty and humility.

Newcomers Corner

Step Nine can feel intimidating, but you do not have to rush it. Work closely with your sponsor, follow the directions in the Big Book, and remember: the goal is not to clear your conscience at someone else’s expense. The goal is to clean up your side of the street.

Oldtimers Corner

The old-timers remind us that Step Nine is more than an apology. Real amends are shown in changed behavior. We make things right where we can, then keep living in a way that doesn’t create the same harm again.

Step 9 Checklist

☐ Have I talked each amend over with my sponsor?
☐ Am I making the amend for the right reason?
☐ Am I ready to admit what I did without making excuses?
☐ Could this amend harm the person or someone else?
☐ Do I owe money, property, or something that needs to be repaid?
☐ Am I willing to accept their reaction, even if it is not what I hoped for?
☐ Am I showing my amends through changed behavior?
☐ Have I remembered that some amends may need to wait?
☐ Am I willing to keep cleaning up my side of the street?

Step 9 Challenge: Sorry Isn’t Always an Amend. Amends or Apology?

Read each one and decide: Is it just an apology, or is it a real amend?

1. “I’m sorry I borrowed your money and never paid you back.”
2. “I’m sorry, and I brought the money I owe you.”
3. “Sorry you got upset.”
4. “I was wrong. I hurt you, and I want to make it right.”
5. “I said I was sorry already, so we should be done.”
6. “I can’t undo what I did, but I can change how I act from here on.”

Answers:

1. Apology
2. Amend
3. Not really either
4. Amend
5. Apology
6. Living amend

Upcoming Leads and Events

Thursday Night Monroeville

Sept. 3rd John G.

Sept. 10th John H.

Sept. 17th Bob J.

Sept. 24th John

Flyers

Have an event to share? Contact North Central Ohio AA Intergroup at localaaintergroup@ncoaai.org to have it added to the website.

Minutes from August Intergroup Meeting

August Meeting Sign In Sheet