Originally Posted by
BuffaloGal 
I heard this somewhere and liked it: A true apology contains the word "I." It doesn't contain the word "but." Your xah has got the first part down: his actions caused harm, he says so. OK. However, he's still adding: BUT it wasn't really me, it was this goshdarn disease!
It sounds like your xah is sincere, however he has a ways to go in admitting that he did something wrong as a human being, not just as an alcoholic. It might be all he can manage for the moment. It's a rare person who can learn to take full responsibility for their actions in 30 days. Most of us do that sort of thing in little, bite sized pieces, I think.
Good topic. And I really like this description of an apology. Good food for thought....
I do think there needs to be a little more than just "I" though. My ex used I a lot, but it was just talking about him and NOT owning his behavior. "I know it was wrong" instead of "I know I hurt you doing this, it was wrong and I'm sorry"