Sometimes when we go and make amends to people, we're not going for them, we're not going for the higher power, we're going because we want to get it all off of us. That's not fair. If you're doing it simply because you feel bad with it all on your shoulders and now you want to go make an amends and put it on somebody else? This step says we made a direct amends except when to do so would injure them or others. That's why you need help, that's why you need a sponsor when you do this step.

It's easy to stop using alcohol and drugs. I did it a thousand times. But it's hard to stay stopped. And that bridge between when we're using and the long-term road of recovery is that “day at a time” attitude. The only way I get to tomorrow is by doing today – not doing it perfectly, or even doing it well, but doing it in the context of my recovery.

Sinéad O'Connor's "I Feel So Different" is a powerful song about the miracle of change. Click on "CC" to view the lyrics - and turn the volume up!

One of the biggest lies we say to ourselves is, "I didn't harm anyone except myself." But once you admit what your problem is you become more, not less, responsible for the things you've done. You're cleaning up your side of the street. This step isn't about saying you're sorry; it's about making amends.

"I believe that I did not get clean to be miserable." Jess talks about rediscovering who she is and what she really likes as she grows in recovery.

A real source of inner joy is to remain truthful and honest. Then you can create your own atmosphere of peaceful, genuine, human friendship. With that kind of atmosphere and with that kind of community, even though you face some problems, those problems may not disturb your peace of mind much. This is my fundamental belief.