In the 9th step of Alcoholics Anonymous, what is the guideline for making amends?

In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, the guideline for making amends in the 9th step emphasizes the importance of considering the potential impact of those amends on others. The principle behind making direct amends only if it will not cause harm reflects a sense of responsibility and awareness of the other person's feelings and circumstances. This approach acknowledges that, while repairing relationships is crucial in the recovery process, doing so recklessly or insensitively could further hurt individuals or complicate situations.

This careful consideration promotes healing for both the individual making amends and those receiving them. It's essential to remember that amends should focus on honesty and humility, but they must also be mindful of the broader human context. This means that if reaching out could cause more harm than healing, an individual is encouraged to refrain from direct amends, emphasizing a compassionate approach to the recovery process.