Drug abuse takes a toll on every aspect of a person’s life including physical and mental health. Addiction treatment centers acknowledge its effect on one’s social life as well. Addiction treatment centers assist in the process of determining who was hurt during the course of a person’s addiction and how to resolve it.

1. Know Who Is Owed an Apology

Some people are owed an apology due to their mistreatment while a person used, especially for those who the patient still would like a relationship with after treatment from one of the Christian addiction treatment centers in the area. Some examples of individuals who deserve an apology include parents, children and other family members who the patient used to obtain drugs. For instance, anyone who the patient borrowed money from. Those who paid the patient’s rent or food due to them neglecting to pay obligations in order to afford drugs also deserve an apology.

The drug dealer whom they owe money to doesn’t need an apology. This person has very little impact on the patient’s life and realizes the job they perform has the downfall of not receiving payment. Not to mention, seeing a dealer or other person who was providing drugs knowingly has the potential to cause a relapse.

In cases where the “victim” doesn’t know about the issue such an affair that occurred four years ago, it’s best to avoid apologizing. If the other person doesn’t know about the situation, unless the patient stole money for drugs, it’s not necessary to apologize. It will damage the relationship even more and hurt the person. It’s important to narrow down the list of people to ask for forgiveness from in order to determine the people that need an apology and those who will be hurt by learning the information. It’s also important to realize that apologies aren’t needed for every single person ever harmed when a person was using, unless it had a direct relationship with the drug or alcohol usage.

2. Talk to Them in Person if Possible

It’s best to talk to the person who is owed the apology in person. It’s more personable and appears like the patient cares more since it’s putting in time, effort and thought. However, the patient should never apologize in person to somebody who may harm him or her due to his or her past actions. Even if the apology must be conducted through mail, email, phone or text message, it’s important to do it. It gives the patient a feeling of relief, may help mend broken fences and has the potential to make the other party feel better.

3. Go Beyond Just Saying I’m Sorry

A simple phrase does mean a lot, but keep in mind, it’s not truly making amends. Although the person may not care or remember about the $30 he or she is owed, part of the process of asking for forgiveness entails rectifying the situation. By saying “I’m sorry,” and giving back the money stolen or borrowed, it helps to repair the relationship further than words can. It’s a gesture that displays the patient’s understanding of his or her wrongdoing and makes up for what he or she did. If the patient did something that doesn’t require financial compensation or another similar restitution, it’s still possible to make amends. For instance, the patient may state he or she will never do whatever it is again. If the patient isn’t sure of how to correct the problem, it doesn’t hurt to ask and fulfill the request.

4. Accept Responsibility

It’s important to the patient’s recovery for him or her to accept responsibility for his or her actions. When the patient states the problem was caused by the addiction and doesn’t state the problem was because of him or her, it’s unhealthy for the person’s recovery. The patient must realize the actions were because of him or her, regardless of the drug abuse.

5. Use Action Words

Don’t use words like if, but, want. may, would like or other similar words. These words all take some of the responsibility off of the patient. It’s important to use strong actionable words such as “I apologize for” or “I’m sorry for.”

6. Know Forgiveness Isn’t Guaranteed

The patient may never be forgiven for what he or she did. He or she must understand that he or she did the right thing by apologizing, but it doesn’t change what happened. The person might just need time to process emotions before forgiveness can be given.

Next Level Recovery is a leading addiction treatment provider. Our treatment programs are evidence-based and customized to the individual needs of those involved with addiction. We encourage our clients to participate in real world activities, such as work and educational opportunities, while they are in our program. For more information on our programs, call us today at (888) 759-5846.