P. 76 of AA's basic text says,"Let's look at Steps Eight and Nine. We have a list of all persons we have harmed and to whom we are willing to make amends. We made it when we took inventory. We subjected ourselves to a drastic self-appraisal. Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the past. We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven't the will to do this, we ask until it comes. Remember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol."

AA's "Big Book" then explains how to make amends where others have been harmed by ones behavior. P. 83 says, "A remorseful mumbling that we are sorry won't fill the bill at all." It's possible to misunderstand the difference between apologizing and making amends. Here are definitions:

a·pol·o·gize (intr.v. a·pol·o·gized, a·pol·o·giz·ing, a·pol·o·giz·es)

1. To make excuse for or regretful acknowledgment of a fault or offense.

2. To make a formal defense or justification in speech or writing.

a·mend (v. a·mend·ed, a·mend·ing, a·mends)

v.tr.
1. To change for the better; improve: amended the earlier proposal so as to make it more comprehensive.

2. To remove the faults or errors in; correct. See Synonyms at correct.

3. To alter (a legislative measure, for example) formally by adding, deleting, or rephrasing.

4. To enrich (soil), especially by mixing in organic matter or sand.

v.intr.
To better one's conduct; reform.

a·mends (pl.n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)

Recompense for grievance or injury: The new law offers no amends to victims of crime. I assured them that no amends are necessary. You must make amends to them for the insult. See Synonyms at reparation.

rep·a·ra·tion
n.
1. The act or process of repairing or the condition of being repaired.

2. The act or process of making amends; expiation.

3. Something done or paid to compensate or make amends.

4. reparations Compensation or remuneration required from a defeated nation as indemnity for damage or injury during a war.

[Middle English reparacion, from Old French, from Late Latin reparatio, reparation-, restoration, from Latin reparatus, past participle of reparare, to repair; see repair1.]

Synonyms: reparation, redress, amends, restitution, indemnity

These nouns refer to something given in compensation for loss, suffering, or damage. Reparation implies recompense given to one who has suffered at the hands of another: "reparation for our rights at home, and security against the like future violations" William Pitt.

Redress involves setting an injustice right; the term may imply retaliation or punishment: "There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law" Abraham Lincoln.

Amends usually implies the giving of satisfaction for a minor grievance or lesser injury: How can I make amends for losing my temper?

Restitution is the restoration of something taken illegally: "He attempted to enforce the restitution of the Roman lands and cities" George P.R. James.

Indemnity implies repayment or reimbursement: Homeowners demanded indemnity for the damages caused by the riot.

The practical bottom line: ask those you've harmed,"what should I do to make up for what I've done to you?"