Get Guidance to Carry Through Step 8 Successfully
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Completing the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous supports lasting and genuine healing. Our AA Step 8 Worksheet can help you in the making direct amends process. Some need a little extra support, as Step 8 can be one of the most regret-inducing steps of the recovery process.
At Changes Healing Center, we acknowledge that AA and NA are helpful to people at every stage of the recovery journey. We strongly recommend that our recovery program graduates seek a weekly community-based support group as part of a sustainable aftercare program.
Our Joint Commission-accredited programs create the pathway toward a brighter future; AA and NA can help clients stay on that road after leaving our care.
If you need help progressing in Step 8, please continue reading this free guide and download the Step 8 Worksheets. And remember, if you or a loved one need a firm foundation for recovery support before completing the Steps, our caring, expert team at Changes is available by confidential call at any time!
What Does Making Direct Amends Mean in Step 8?
Here’s a quick recap of the language of AA Step 8:
“Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”
AA Big Book, Step 8
This step means looking back at Step 4, the moral inventory and list of character defects. Reflecting on past actions and behavioral shortcomings, we start creating a comprehensive list of all persons who may have been harmed by drug and alcohol addiction.
Besides listing the people, the step requires genuine remorse and willingness to make amends to those harmed.
This step is of great importance. As you write the list, you start holding yourself accountable for any harm caused.
In Step 9, you will fully accept responsibility and make full amends (no partial amends!) with the people listed here.
Step 8 Journal Prompts for Starting the Amends Process


Writing a list is one thing, but the “became willing to make amends” might feel more challenging. However, the two are closely connected and work together.
Our Step 8 journal prompts can help you reflect on your behavior and list each person to whom you owe an apology and restitution as you start making amends.
Here are the prompts:
- Identify individuals you’ve harmed and describe the impact of your actions.
- Recall an admission of wrong from Step 5 and its emotional effect on you.
- List recurring harmful behaviors from your Step 4 inventory.
- Reflect on your willingness to make amends – what fears hold you back?
- Consider a resentment addressed in Step 7 and how it still affects you.
- Write about a specific harm caused and why you want to make amends.
- Evaluate how making amends might improve your relationships.
- Ponder the benefits of making amends on your self-worth.
- Recall a moment where you’ve been forgiven and how it felt.
- Reflect on what making amends means to your recovery journey.
Persons We Had Harmed Step 8 Worksheet

While this amends planning worksheet can help, we also have additional amends script resources that support naming those we’ve harmed and became willing to make amends to. It has five parts:
- Write down the name of a person harmed or hurt.
- Describe the nature of the harm caused.
- Explore your emotions and motivations at the time of the harmful act.
- Give evidence that proves you are ready to make amends.
- Explain how you’ll make amends.
This Step is key when you hope to restore personal relationships as you start your sober new life. It is also worth knowing that while some may forgive you as you work on completing the 12 Steps, they may not forget as quickly.
That is human nature, so be prepared to give them compassion and space to take it all in.
Does One Actually Owe Amends to Others?
AA principles say yes. It’s not enough to acknowledge you have caused harm or hurt someone. Instead, the program challenges you to use your newfound knowledge and skills to right any wrongs.
You will draw from all the prior steps as you work through Step 8, including asking your Higher Power for the strength to accept responsibility without self-pity.
These steps can be difficult. But remember that you have an NA or AA sponsor who can answer your questions or provide a fresh perspective if you falter in the process.
Preparing to Make Amends for Self-harm
When it comes to self-harm, making amends usually means you’ll turn the focus to self-compassion and healing while completing Step 8.
It’s okay to acknowledge your painful feelings and those toxic emotions that led you to the dark space with your AA sponsor or a professional counselor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Your commitment to leaving your drug or alcohol addiction in the past can – and should – extend to yourself.
Helpful Tips for Completing Step 8

Step 8 requires courage and effort. This section provides information on how to succeed in your recovery from addiction.
Be Honest and Thorough in Your Reflections
Take the time you need to reflect on the past. Be comprehensive as you list each person you’ve harmed. Being honest with yourself about these can make a great difference as you make genuine amends.
Example: Tracey had destroyed several family relationships when she was drinking heavily. At the time, she thought it was funny. But she now longed to forget about the behavior.
Instead of turning away from the hard work, she made a list of all the family members she needed to apologize to and humbled herself for the process.
Ask Your Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsor for Help
Your AA or NA sponsor is the best mentor – they have already completed all the program’s steps. They have valuable insights and guidance on preparing to make your apology and can answer any questions.
Example: Skylar was trying hard to get their life back together with AA, but they were stuck like glue. They called their sponsor and learned to weigh the pros and cons of tying up the loose ends of apologizing.
After working the pros and cons on paper, they decided to push through the embarrassment of their past behaviors and complete Step 8.
Start with Easier Amends
Some behaviors during active addiction were less harmful than others. Start with those amends you feel most comfortable with, and then work up the courage to work on the more strained relationships.
Example: Steven had lived a partying life but had recently finished treatment for meth abuse. He had many apologies to make. He started slowly, listing the least painful things first.
It wasn’t as bad as he thought, and it helped him find the courage to address his more painful memories of addiction and how he’d hurt others.
Willingness over Immediate Action

Focus first and foremost on becoming willing to restore relationships. Remember that this is making the list and becoming willing – you’re not yet taking action. This mindset shift in AA Step 8 can help prepare you emotionally for Steps 9 through 12.
Example: Ja’Nae was willing to fix things with her cousins, who were her best friends. She’d harmed them and lost their trust during her time abusing prescription drugs. She didn’t know how she’d face them or what words could express her regret.
Instead of worrying about the next steps, she zeroed in on Step 8, listed their names, and became ready to move forward when ready.
Call Changes to Get a Firm Foundation for Recovery Success
Regardless of what the world tells you, not everyone can complete AA without professional help. If you have tried to recover but your addictive behavior is “sticky,” call the compassionate team at Changes Healing Center. We can help.
Connecting with us is confidential and free, and we gladly answer any questions. Contact us now.