We Made Direct Amends (NOW AD FREE)

We Made Direct Amends (NOW AD FREE)

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This RAW Recovery Podcast instalment follows Dion as he breaks down Step Nine of Alcoholics Anonymous and what “direct amends” really mean in day-to-day life. You’ll hear Dion start with Daily Reflections on willingness to grow, then move into a practical, sometimes blunt look at making things right with people harmed during active alcoholism.

He stresses that “making direct amends is more than saying we’re sorry,” and insists that “the only true amends is changed behaviour,” putting the focus firmly on actions rather than speeches. Instead of lofty theory, Dion talks through real-life situations: handling missed meetings with a county mental health board, weighing up honesty against potential harm, and planning whether to confront possible avoidance around an overdose awareness event.

He ties all this back to core AA principles like “principles before personalities” and “attraction, not promotion,” showing how they help keep ego and anger in check. There’s also a clear explanation of prudence—using careful judgement and self-control—especially when an amend could land someone in jail or rip apart a family’s stability.

Dion reminds listeners that Step Nine is guided by “except when to do so would injure them or others,” and that trust can’t be fast‑tracked just because someone feels guilty. Along the way, he offers simple, concrete ideas for “living amends”: cleaning the kitchen properly, picking up rubbish, doing the jobs you used to avoid, and resisting the urge to demand praise for basic responsibilities.

Light humour, ADHD asides, and a very chatty cat keep the tone relaxed, even as he tackles serious topics like guilt, shame, and courage. If you’re wondering how to start making amends without causing more harm, this episode gives you plenty to think about—where might changed behaviour speak louder than another “I’m sorry” in your own recovery?