Taking The 12 Steps

TAKING THE 12 STEPS
COURTESY OF “RECOVERY BY THE BOOK” MEETING

Table of Contents
Honesty, Open-Mindedness, Willingness..................................................................................................1
Humility.....................................................................................................................................................2
General Inventory – Failure List................................................................................................................3
Here are the steps we took which are suggested as a program of recovery.............................................18
Step 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable....19
Self-Diagnosis................................................................................................................................19
Step 1 Instruction............................................................................................................................21
There is a solution...........................................................................................................................21
Step 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.....................22
Step 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God..................................23
Step 3 Paycheck..............................................................................................................................30
Step 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves..................................................31

Part One of Step 4 – Flaws and Failures....................................................................................31
Part 2 of Step 4 – Self List.........................................................................................................31
Part 3 of Step 4 – Resentful at...................................................................................................31
Part 4 of Step 4 – The Cause of Our Anger...............................................................................32
Part 5 of Step 4 – Affects my.....................................................................................................32
Part 6 of Step 4 – How we get well...........................................................................................33
Part 7 of Step 4 – My Wrongs....................................................................................................34
Part 8 of Step 4 – Fear List........................................................................................................34
Part 9 of Step 4 – Sex Problems List.........................................................................................34
Step 4 Paycheck..............................................................................................................................35
Step 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being..................................................36

Step 5 Paycheck..............................................................................................................................36
My Moral Inventory Checklist.......................................................................................................37
Step 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character..................................38
Step 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings....................................................................38

Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing..............................................39
Step 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible..........................................................40

Item 1 - Resentments......................................................................................................................40
Item 2 - Money...............................................................................................................................40
Item 3 - Criminal Offences.............................................................................................................40
Item 4 - Sex Relationships..............................................................................................................41
Step 9 Paycheck – The Twelve Promises.......................................................................................42
Step 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it........43
Step 10 Paycheck............................................................................................................................43
My Daily (Step 10) Personal Inventory..........................................................................................44
Step 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God............45
Step 11 Instruction..........................................................................................................................45
PM Focus...................................................................................................................................45
AM Focus...................................................................................................................................45
Mid-day Focus...........................................................................................................................45
Step 11 Paycheck............................................................................................................................46
Step 12. Having had a Spiritual awakening as the result of these steps..............................................47
Step 12 Paycheck............................................................................................................................47
Summary.............................................................................................................................................48
The 7 Deadly Sins....................................................................................................................................49

PRIDE: ...............................................................................................................................................50
GREED: ..............................................................................................................................................50
LUST: .................................................................................................................................................51
ANGER: .............................................................................................................................................51
GLUTTONY: ......................................................................................................................................52
ENVY: ................................................................................................................................................52
SLOTH: ..............................................................................................................................................52
Step 4 Worksheets....................................................................................................................................53
Failure List (Example A).....................................................................................................................54
Failure List (Example B).....................................................................................................................55
Self List...............................................................................................................................................57
RESENTMENT INVENTORY...........................................................................................................58
SEX INVENTORY WORKSHEET....................................................................................................60
Honesty, Open-Mindedness, Willingness
This guide quotes extensively from the book “Alcoholics Anonymous”, also known as the Basic
Text or the Big Book. References are depicted by (AA) There are also references to the
“Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” depicted by (12&12)
We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have
recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics
precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book. (AA p. vii)
We find that no one need have difficulty with the Spirituality of the program. Willingness,
honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.
(AA p. 568)
But the ex-problem drinker (addict or obsessive-compulsive personality) who has found this
solution (our recipe), who is properly armed with facts about them self, can generally win the
entire confidence of another alcoholic (addict) in a few hours. Until such an understanding is
reached, little or nothing can be accomplished.
That the person who is making the approach has had the same difficulty (lack of control), that
they obviously know what (they are) talking about, that (their) whole deportment shouts at the
new prospect that (they are a person) with a real answer, that (they have) no attitude of Holier
Than Thou (we are not saints nor are we crusaders or mission makers), nothing whatever
except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay (Basic Text sponsorship is
free) , no axes to grind (we're not here to have windy arguments or frothy debates with you), no
people to please (no "ass-kissing") , no lectures to be endured (we are not here to judge or run
your life) these are the conditions we have found most effective. After such an approach many
take up their beds and walk again. (AA p. 18-19)
There is a solution. Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the
confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we
saw that it really worked in others, and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility
of life as we had been living it. When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the
problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of Spiritual
tools laid at our feet. We have found much of heaven and have been rocketed into a fourth
dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.
The great fact is this, and nothing less: that we have had deep and effective Spiritual
experiences, which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and
toward God´s universe. The central fact of our lives is the absolute certainty that our Creator
has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced
to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves. (AA p. 25)
1
Humility
The program of Alcoholics Anonymous states that “HUMILITY” is the foundation of all recovery.
Humility is clearly defined on page fifty eight in the book entitled, “Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions”.
HUMILITY:
1. A clear recognition of what and who we really are – followed by a sincere attempt to
become what we could be.
2. It is a product of deep personal honesty.
We believe that Step One is the beginning of our experiencing HUMILITY, and that is the
foundation of the Twelve Steps.
It is our opinion that unless we can recognize and ACCEPT our powerlessness over alcohol and
the unmanageability of our lives, there can be no solid, meaningful recovery.
The sole purpose of this guide is to help individuals experience HUMILITY; who and what you
really are.
The responsibility for success is the individuals and will be in direct relation to how HONEST,
OPEN-MINDED and WILLING he or she is.
Please keep in mind that when looking at these questions and answering them honestly, it can
create feelings inside that make us wish to disregard these questions as it can be difficult to look
at the Truth. “The Truth will set you free”
PROGRAM QUOTE:
Our admissions of personal powerlessness finally turned out to be firm bedrock upon which
happy and purposeful lives can be built. (12&12 p. 21)
Read each question very carefully. If a question honestly does not apply to you or your
situation, simply disregard it and go on to the next one.
This questionnaire has been developed to try to help you come to terms with the truth as to the
effect alcohol has had on your life as well as others´ lives. There are no right or wrong answers.
We ask that you do this exercise for yourself and by yourself with as much honesty as you can.
If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to talk it over with your Sponsor or an
AA member of Sponsor level.
2
General Inventory – Failure List
3
MARITAL / COMMON LAW / RELATIONSHIPS
1. Has alcohol affected, in any way, your present relationship?
2. Has alcohol affected, in any way, past meaningful relationships?
3. Has alcohol, in any way, been a cause for divorce or separation from a meaningful relationship?
4. Has alcohol, in any way, been responsible for your inability to have long-term, meaningful
relationships?
5. Is alcohol a problem for the person you are presently with?
6. Has alcohol ever interfered with intimacy in your present or past relationships?
7. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to abuse (physically, verbally or sexually) a partner or
spouse?
8. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to be unfaithful in a relationship?
9. Has alcohol ever been cause for a lost relationship with someone you truly cared for?
10. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to be selfish, self-centered or dishonest in a relationship?
Now circle the question that disturbed you the most when thinking about your answers.
4
FAMILY
(PARENTS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, ETC.)
1. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your relationship with your mother or father?
2. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your relationship with your brothers or sisters?
3. Has alcohol, in any way, affected communication between you and your family?
4. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to borrow money from family?
5. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to fail to pay back money owed to your family?
6. Has alcohol, in any way, caused your family emotional pain (ex. Worry, shame, fear, etc.)?
7. Has alcohol, in any way, caused your family to loose respect for you?
8. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your ability to be a good son/daughter, brother/sister?
9. Has alcohol ever been the cause of abuse between you and your family (verbal, physical,
sexual)?
10. Has alcohol caused you to steal from or lie to a member of your family?
5
CHILDREN
1. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your children?
2. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to abuse your children (physical, verbal, sexual)?
3. Has alcohol ever been cause for your children to be afraid of you?
4. Has alcohol ever been cause for your children to not bring friends home?
5. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your ability to be a good parent?
6. Has alcohol ever caused you to break promises made to your children?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to be a poor example for your children?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to jeopardize your children´s safety (drinking and driving, leaving
them alone, etc.)?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to short change your children of your time?
10. Has alcohol ever ever caused your children to run away from home or to be removed from your
home?
6
FRIENDS
1. Has alcohol, in any way, ever affected your relationships with past or present friends?
2. Has alcohol caused you to loose friends?
3. Are most of your friendships centered around alcohol?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to say or do things to a friend that you would not normally do or
say?
5. Has alcohol, ever caused you to be phony or dishonest with a friend?
6. Has alcohol ever caused you to steal from or lie to a friend?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to abuse a friend in any way (physical, verbal, emotional,
financial)?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to gossip about or criticize your friends behind their backs?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to not pay back money borrowed from a friend?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to be disloyal to a friend?
7
FINANCIAL
1. Has alcohol had any affect on your present financial situation?
2. Has alcohol affected your future financial goals in any way?
3. Has alcohol at any time affected your credit rating?
4. Has alcohol ever affected your ability to provide financially for yourself or your family?
5. Has alcohol ever been the reason for borrowing money?
6. Has alcohol ever been the cause of you owing money to any member of your family?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to be selfish with money?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to steal money?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to miss financial commitments (mortgages, car payments, rent,
credit cards)?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to spend money on legal matters (lawyers, jail, fines, etc.)?
8
EMPLOYMENT
1. Has alcohol ever caused you missed time from work?
2. Have you ever used alcohol on the job or gone to work intoxicated, stoned or hung over?
3. Has alcohol ever caused you to loose a job?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to change jobs?
5. Has any employer ever spoken to you about your use of alcohol?
6. Has alcohol ever caused you to NOT look for a job?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to quit a job?
8. Has alcohol ever caused your fellow workers to cover for you?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to stay with a particular job?
10. Has alcohol ever caused your job performance to be affected?
9
LEISURE/RECREATION
1. Has alcohol ever interfered with your leisure/recreational activities?
2. Has or is your leisure time centered around alcohol use
3. Has alcohol ever caused you to loose interest in your normal leisure/recreational activities?
4. Has alcohol ever interfered with time you would normally spend watching TV, movies or
reading?
5. Have you ever used sports or recreational activities as an excuse to drink?
6. Has alcohol ever become an important aspect of your vacations?
7. Has alcohol ever been the cause of deteriorating physical condition and or physical activities?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to stop a sport or recreational activity that used to be important to
you?
9. Has alcohol ever caused your family´s leisure or recreational activities to be affected?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to not attempt a sport or recreational activity that interested you?
10
LEGAL
1. Has alcohol ever caused you to be convicted of a criminal offence?
2. Have you ever driven a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol?
3. Has alcohol ever caused you to seek legal advice?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to spend money on legal matters (bail, fines, layers)?
5. Has alcohol ever caused you to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or any other accident
(boating, skiing, snowmobiling)?
6. Has alcohol ever caused your auto insurance premiums or driver´s privileges to increase?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to not be bondable?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to go to jail or serve time?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to lie to a policeman, judge or lawyer?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to loose your driver´s license?
11
PHYSICAL
1. Has alcohol ever affected you physically in any way?
2. Has alcohol ever caused you to see a doctor?
3. Has alcohol ever caused accidents of any kind that caused physical injury to you?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to have any permanent physical scars?
5. Has alcohol ever caused you any physical limitations?
6. Has a doctor or medical person ever told you to cut down or to quit drinking?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to go to a hospital or an emergency unit of a hospital?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you gastric, blood pressure or liver problems?
9. Has alcohol ever been the reason for a doctor to prescribe pills for nerves or inability to sleep?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to be unable to perform sexually?
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SEXUALITY
1. Has alcohol, in any way, ever affected your sex life?
2. Has alcohol ever affected your sex drive?
3. Has alcohol ever caused you to be sexually unfaithful?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to have sex with lesser companions?
5. Has alcohol ever caused you to force sex on someone else?
6. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to have sex forced on you?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience impotency?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to be selfish, self-centered or dishonest with a sexual partner?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to ridicule or humiliate someone else concerning his or her
sexuality?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel inadequate, shameful or remorseful in regard to sex?
13
MENTAL
1. Has alcohol affected you mentally in any way?
2. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience blackouts (memory loss)?
3. Has alcohol affected your memory in any way?
4. Has alcohol ever, in any way, affected your ability to learn or comprehend?
5. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience a change in your mental attitude?
6. Has alcohol ever caused you to think that maybe you were crazy?
7. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your ability or attitude toward acquiring and education,
apprenticeship, training, etc.?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience personality changes?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to not make sound, logical decisions?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to not reach your maximum mental capacity?
14
EMOTIONAL
1. Has alcohol ever affected your emotional well being in any way?
2. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience mood swings?
3. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience personality changes?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to not be able to control your anger?
5. Has alcohol ever caused you to worry or be depressed?
6. Has alcohol ever caused you to to experience anxiety or fear?
7. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel helpless, hopeless or useless?
8. Has alcohol ever caused you to attempt or to have thoughts of suicide?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel unhappy?
10. Has alcohol ever caused you to not be able to feel someone else´s pain or feelings?
15
SPIRITUALITY
1. Has alcohol ever, in any way, affected your Spirituality?
2. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your dreams, goals or what you want from life?
3. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your purpose or finding a purpose in life?
4. Has alcohol ever caused you to not want to live?
5. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your direction in life?
6. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your ability to Love and to be Loved?
7. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your ability to experience laughter and joy?
8. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your ability to believe in or have a relationship
with a Higher Power?
9. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel hopeless, helpless or useless?
10. Has alcohol ever, in any way, interfered with your feelings about having a place or belonging in
this Universe?
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SELF-RESPECT
1. Has alcohol affected, in any way, what you think about yourself?
2. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel shame or guilt?
3. Has alcohol ever caused you to do things you would not normally do?
4. Has alcohol, in any way, affected how you feel about yourself as an employee?
5. Has alcohol, in any way, affected how you feel about yourself as a parent or spouse?
6. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel less than respectable?
7. Has alcohol, in any way, affected how you feel about yourself as a son or daughter?
8. Has alcohol, in any way, affected how you feel about yourself as a friend?
9. Has alcohol, in any way, affected the respect someone else has for you?
10. Have you ever attempted to quit alcohol and failed?
17
Here are the steps we took which are suggested as a program of recovery
18
Step 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become
unmanageable.
Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover
are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men
and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such
unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally
incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their
chances are less than average. (AA p. 58)
If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it – then you
are ready to take certain steps. (AA p. 58)
There is nothing published by Alcoholics Anonymous that gives direction on how to “TAKE” the first
2 Steps. The First Step is described on (AA p. 30), paragraph 2. The Second Step is described on
(AA p. 47), second paragraph.
The authors of the Basic Text have used 30 pages in the Roman Numeral section and 60 pages of the
first 164 pages attempting to convince us of the First and Second Steps and to give us some history
of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you are not convinced, you should follow the instructions (AA p. 31),
last paragraph, “We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, etc.” It tells us we should
try some more controlled drinking. You should be convinced of Steps One and Two before you take
Step Three.
Self-Diagnosis
Men and women drink (use or act-out) essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol.
(drugs, sugar, acting out behaviour i.e. sex, gambling, codependency) (Is this your experience - yes-
no?) The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious (Is your behaviour hurting you
- yes-no?), they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their alcoholic
(addict) life seems the only normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can
again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks--drinks
(hits, puffs, bites, bets, acts, cuts, etc, ) which they see others taking (doing) with impunity. After
they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do (Is this your experience - yes-no?), and the
phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging
remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink (use or act-out) again (Is this your experience - yes-
no?) This is repeated over and over (Is this your experience - yes-no?), and unless this person can
experience an entire psychic change there is very little hope of his recovery. (AA p. Xxviii)
Moderate drinkers (users) (type 1) have little trouble in giving up liquor (substances, obsessive-
compulsive behaviour) entirely if they have good reason for it. (Do you have a good reason for
stopping - yes-no?) They can take it or leave it alone. (Can you take it or leave it alone- yes-no?)
19
Then we have a certain type of hard drinkers (heavy users) (type 2). They may have the habit badly
enough to gradually impair them physically and mentally. It may cause them to die a few years
before their time. If a sufficiently strong reason: ill health (Has being sick ever caused you to stop
for good - yes-no?), falling in love (Can you stop for the sake of your spouse, family, friends - yes-
no?), change of environment (Has moving away or avoiding triggers worked for you - yes-no?), or
the warning of a doctor (Has your doctor's advice to stop ever worked for you - yes-no?) becomes
operative, this person can also stop or moderate (Is this you – yes-no?), although they may find it
difficult and troublesome and may even need medical attention. (detox, treatment, therapy,
counselling) (AA p. 20-21)
But what about the real alcoholic. (addict) (type 3)...at some stage of their drinking (using) career
they begin to lose all control of their liquor (drugs, gambling, sex, sugar, unhealthy relationships,
etc.) consumption, once they start to drink (use, bet, smoke, act-out). (Is this your experience – yes-
no?) (AA p. 21)
The fact is that most alcoholics (addicts), for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in
drink (obsessive-compulsive acts). (Is this your experience - yes-no?) Our so called will power
becomes practically nonexistent. (Is this your experience - yes-no?) We are unable, at certain times,
to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of
even a week or a month ago. (Is this your experience - yes-no?) We are without defense against the
first drink (use, pill, hit, toke, puff, bite, bet, act, cut, sweet, care, etc. ) (Is this your experience - yes-
no?) (AA p. 24)
Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real alcoholics (addicts). No person likes to think
they are bodily and mentally different from their fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our
drinking (using, acting out) careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we
could drink (use, act-out) like other people. (Is this your experience - yes-no?) The idea that
somehow, someday they will control and enjoy their drinking (drinking, using, obsessive
compulsive-behaviour) is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker (user, obsessive-
compulsive). (Is this you - yes-no?) The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it
into the gates of insanity or death. (AA p. 30)
We alcoholics (addicts) are men and women who have lost the ability to control our drinking (using,
acting-out). (Is this your experience - yes-no?) We know that no real alcoholic (addict) ever recovers
control. All of us felt at times that we were regaining control, but such intervals usually brief were
inevitably followed by still less control, which led in time to pitiful and incomprehensible
demoralization. (Is this your experience - yes-no?) We are convinced to a person that alcoholics
(addicts) of our type3 are in the grip of a progressive illness. Over any considerable period we get
worse, never better. (Is this your experience - yes-no?) (AA p. 30)
If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking (using or
acting out), you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic (addict)
20
(Is this you - yes-no?). If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a
Spiritual experience will conquer. (AA p. 44)
This is by no means a comprehensive picture of the true alcoholic (addict), as our behavior patterns
vary. But this description should identify them roughly. (Does it - yes-no?) (AA p. 22)
Step 1 Instruction
We learned that we had to fully concede (admit) to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics
(addicts). (Do you admit it - yes-no?) This is the first step in recovery. The delusion (lie) that we are
like other people (types 1 and 2), or presently may be, has to be smashed. (Are you convinced you
that you are a real alcoholic/addict - yes-no?) (AA p. 30)
If you answered yes, then congratulations you have taken step one!
There is a solution...
If you are as seriously alcoholic (addicted) as we were, we believe there is no middle-of-the-road
solution. We were in a position where life was becoming impossible (Is life becoming impossible?
yes-no?), and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through human aid, we
had but two alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our
intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept Spiritual help (Are you ready to
accept Spiritual help - yes-no?). This we did because we honestly wanted to, and were willing to
make the effort. (Are you willing to make the effort – yes-no?) (AA p. 25-26)
21
Step 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to
sanity.
Lack of power, that was our dilemma. (Is lack of power your dilemma - yes-no?) We had to find a
power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But
where and how were we to find this Power? Well, that's exactly what this book is about. Its main
object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem.
(AA p. 45)
Actually we were fooling ourselves, for deep down in every man, woman, and child, is the
fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but
in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous
demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself. We finally saw that
faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up, just as much as the feeling we have for a
friend. Sometimes we had to search fearlessly, but He was there. He was as much a fact as we were.
We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be
found. It was so with us. We can only clear the ground a bit. If our testimony helps sweep away
prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if
you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway. With this attitude you cannot fail. The
consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you. (AA p. 55)
Some of us grow into it more slowly. But He has come to all who have honestly sought Him. When
we drew near to Him He disclosed Himself to us! (AA p. 57)
Step 2 Instruction
We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to
believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?" (yes-no?) As soon as a person can say that they
do believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure them that they are on their way. It has
been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective Spiritual
structure can be built. (AA p. 47) If you answered yes, congratulations you have taken step two and
we emphatically assure you are now on your way!
On page 60 of the Basic Text, after the ABC´s the paragraph states, “Being convinced, we were at
Step Three”.
22
Step 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood Him.
Step Three starts on (AA p. 60) after the ABC´s and ends on (AA p. 63) at the bottom of the page.
The Third Step prayer is halfway down (AA p. 63). It is very important to follow the directions.
The Third Step helps you to develop the willingness required to do the remaining Steps. A
questionnaire is included to help you become convinced.
Once the alcoholic has come to believe that a Power greater than himself can bring recovery from
alcoholism, he is then ready to consider the other Steps in the program of recovery. As they begin to
present the program, the writers of the Basic Text first explain how the capacity to be honest is the
essential requirement for recovery.
1. Have you failed in your previous efforts at recovery? Did you ever thoroughly follow the path
taken by the writers of the Basic Text? What does it mean to “thoroughly” follow their path?
2. “Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to
this simple program.” What does it mean by “completely give themselves?” Have you ever
done this?
3. Do you accept that failure to recover is due to the capacity to be honest with yourself?
4. The program of recovery is “a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty.” What do
they mean by “rigorous honesty?” Do you understand that alcoholism is a disease of
dishonesty? Are you capable of grasping and developing this manner of living?
5. Do you suffer from a grave emotional and mental disorder? They assure you that many of this
type do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.
6. The personal stories describe how the original hundred or so members recovered from
alcoholism. Have you decided that you want what they have? What is it they have?
7. Are you willing to “go to any lengths” for recovery from alcoholism? The second portion of
Bills´Story (AA pp. 9 – 16) gives a synopsis of the recovery program. This gives an idea of the
lengths that you must go to for recovery.
8. The experience of these early members suggests that people will balk at certain Steps (The
word balk is like a horse that digs in his feet and refuses to go any further). Are you already
experiencing some Resistance to this program. What Steps do you think you might balk at?
23
9. Are you looking for “an easier, softer way?” Recall the statement (AA p. 25) about “no middle-
of-the-road solutions.” Can you recover from alcoholism without Spiritual help?
10. A strong statement is made about being fearless and thorough. “With all the earnestness at our
command...” Are you being fearless and thorough so far? Are you willing to overcome your
fear of Spiritual matters?
11. Are you trying to hold on to your old ideas, especially the idea that self-sufficiency will solve
your problems? They tell us that “the result was nil until we let go absolutely.”
12. The word “Remember is used twice in the Basic Text, both time in reference to alcohol. The
second place (AA p. 76). Why do they say that alcohol is “cunning, baffling, powerful?” Can
you conquer this foe without help?
13. Do you believe that God has all power (AA p. 59)? What does this mean to you?
14. They write, “May you find Him now!” Have you the desire to find a Spiritual way of life?
15. Recall that earlier we decided that our faith would be a total trust in that Power greater than
ourselves (AA p. 53). Are you ready to completely give yourself to this simple Program of
Recovery? Do you realize what half measures means?
16. Beginning a Spiritual way of life is a turning point in the life of the alcoholic. This expression
“turning point” was used by Reverend Sam Shoemaker to explain the turning away from a life
of self-will toward a life directed by God´s Will. Do you sense that you are at the turning point?
Are you ready to ask His protection and care with complete abandon? (This is explained in
Step 3)
17. They now list the complete 12 Steps which are the AA Program of Recovery. This is the path
which they followed; the manner of living which we must grasp if we are to recover from
alcoholism. As you read over these Steps, ask yourself again if you are willing to go to these
lengths for recovery.
18. After reviewing the Steps, do you have a similar reaction to, “What an order, I can´t go through
with it?” Are you discouraged by the degree of honesty and thoroughness that the Steps
require?
19. They remind us that we do not have to do this way of life perfectly. We are not saints. What is
a “saint”? Are you willing to grow along Spiritual lines?
24
20. The Steps are guides to progress. Are you willing to strive for Spiritual progress?
21. The three pertinent ideas, or ABC´s, are a review of everything which the Basic Text has taught
us up until this point. Are you convinced of these three pertinent ideas?
22. Step 3, “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood
Him.” This Step begins with a requirement.
23. Third Step Requirement: We must be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a
success. This requirement is explained in detail (AA pp. 60-62). The reader should carefully
consider these pages in order to fully understand what is meant by “self-will”. On the basis of
self-will, are you almost always in collision with something or somebody, even though your
motives are good?
24. Do you, like most people, try to live by self-propulsion? This means to live on human power
alone, your own thoughts and wishes.
25. Are you like the actor who wants to run the whole show? Are you forever trying to arrange the
lights, the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in your own way?
26. Do you have the belief that “the show would be great” if your arrangements would only stay
put, if only people would do as you wished (AA p. 61)? Would everybody, including yourself,
be pleased with the arrangements? Would life be wonderful?
27. Are you sometimes quite virtuous? Are you kind, considerate, patient, generous, even modest
and self-sacrificing? On the other hand, are you mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest? Do
you have varied traits?
28. Is it your experience that the show usually doesn´t come off very well when you are into self-
will?
29. How do you react (versus respond) when the show usually doesn´t come off very well? Do you
begin to think that life doesn´t treat you right? Do you exert yourself more? Do you become
still more demanding or gracious?
30. When you are into self-will, does the play never really suit you? Do you believe that other
people are more to blame than you are?
31. Do you become angry, indignant, self-pitying?
25
32. Isn´t your basic trouble that you are really a self-seeker even when trying to be kind?
33. Are you the victim of the delusion that you can rest satisfaction and happiness out of this world
if you only manage well?
34. Did your actions make the rest of the players wish to retaliate, snatching all they could out of
the show?
35. Are you not, even in your best moments, a producer of confusion rather than harmony?
36. Do you believe that you are self-centered?
37. Do any of the illustrations given in the last paragraph, “the retired business man...” describe
your character?
38. Does it cause you to protest to be told you are self-centered (AA p. 62)? Are you avoiding
looking at your own self-centeredness?
39. Are you mainly concerned with yourself, your resentments or your self-pity?
40. The Basic Text identifies self-centeredness as the root of our troubles. The alcoholic illness can
thus be traced to causes which arise out of self. Do you accept this description?
41. Are you driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking ans self-pity?
42. Do you step on the toes of your fellows and they retaliate? When people hurt you does it seem
to be without provocation? Do you invariably find that at some time in the past you have made
decisions based on self, which later placed us in a position to be hurt?
43. Do you agree that your troubles are basically of your own making? Do your troubles arise out
of yourself?
44. If you are alcoholic, the book suggests that you are an extreme example of self-will run riot,
even though you may not think so. Does this description fit you?
45. Do you see that you must be rid of this selfishness? Do you believe their statement that
selfishness can kill?
26
46. As the root of the Spiritual malady of the alcoholic, selfishness can no more be solved on
human power than could our living problems. Can you suggest any other way to reduce self-
centeredness other than with God´s help?
47. Do you agree that on human power alone, you cannot live up to any moral or philosophical
convictions?Do you accept that you cannot reduce your self-centeredness much by wishing or
trying on your own power?
48. Do you believe that with God´s help you can reduce your self-centeredness?
49. The next paragraph begins with the words, “This is the how and why of it”. These same words
occur back to back (AA p. 20) where the meaning can be clarified. “Doubtless you are curious
to discover how and why we have recovered.” And so they are pointing to the crucial aspect of
the message of recovery. The next sentences thus hold the key to the Spirituality of this book.
“First of all, we had to quit playing God. It didn´t work. Next, we decided that hereafter in this
drama of life, God was going to be our Director.” This is the how and why of recovery.
50. “First of all, we had to quit playing God. It didn´t work.” This phrase is a restatement of the
Third Step requirement which began on the bottom (AA p. 60) and concludes there. Are you
absolutely convinced of this requirement?
51. Next follows a decision. “Next we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going
to be our Director.” Thus, the simple analogy of life as a play or drama contains a vital
Spiritual Principle. Have you decided that God is going to be your Director? What does the
director of a play do with the actors?
52. The analogy of director-actor can be described in several ways. God´s relationship to us can be
seen as Principal-agent, Father-children. Do you understand how these apply?
53. The simple ides is called the “keystone” of the new and triumphant arch through which we pass
to freedom. The keystone is the one at the top, which keeps an arch from caving in. Recall that
Step 2 contains the cornerstone, which was “willingness” (AA p. 47). Have you got your
keystone in place? (eg. Have you met the requirement given above and made a decision?)
54. When you sincerely take such a position, the Basic Text states that all sorts of remarkable things
will follow. These are stated in the form of a series of promises (AA p. 63). The very first of
these promises shows how God treats the Spiritual malady. “We had a new employer.” In place
of unmanageability, we have a Manager who is all-powerful and provides what we need if we
keep close to Him and perform His work well. Thus, the alcoholic no longer has to manage his
life on human power alone. To treat our Spiritual malady, we now have a Spiritual Solution;
letting a Power greater than ourselves help us manage the living problems that fuelled our
alcoholism. Would anything change in your life if you had an all-powerful Manager?
27
55. On your own power, can you provide what you need?
56. What does it mean to “keep close to Him and perform His work well”?
57. Do you want to become less and less interested in yourself, your little plans and designs?
58. Are you interested in seeing what you could contribute to life?
59. Do you truly wish to surrender control of your life over to God so that He will be your
Director?
60. Why is selfishness called “bondage”?
61. As a Supernatural Being, God has both Mind and Will. How do we find His will for us?
62. What are your greatest difficulties after alcohol?
63. Can God give victory over difficulties?
64. Will you let Him use your victories to bear witness to others who may also be helped by God´s
Power, Love and Way of Life?
65. Will you try to do His Will always?
66. It is suggested to reflect well before taking this Step, making sure you are ready. Are you ready
to abandon yourself utterly to Him?
67. Do you wish to take this Step with another person or alone?
68. What is the main idea to which we are committing ourselves?
69. Are you being honest and humble as you prepare to take this Step?
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We claim Spiritual progress rather than Spiritual perfection. Our description of the alcoholic(addict),
the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent
ideas:
a. That we were alcoholics (addicts) and could not manage our own lives.
(Is this you - yes-no?)
b. That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism (addiction).
(Are you beyond human aid - yes-no?)
c. That God could and would if He were sought.
(Do you believe or are you even willing to believe – yes-no?)
Being convinced, we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and our life over
to God as we understood Him. Just what do we mean by that, and just what do we do? The first
requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success. (Are you
convinced - yes-no?) (AA p. 60)
Selfishness, self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles. Driven by a hundred forms
of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they
retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably find that at
some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be
hurt.
So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the
alcoholic (addict) is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though they usually do not think so.
Above everything, we alcoholics (addicts) must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us!
God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without His
aid. Many of us had moral and philosophical convictions galore, but we could not live up to them
even though we would have liked to. Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by
wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God's help.
This is the how and the why of it. First of all, we had to quit playing God. It didn't work. (Are you
ready to quit playing God - yes-no?) Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was
going to be our Director. He is the Principal; we are His agents. He is the Father, and we are His
children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant
arch through which we passed to freedom. (AA p. 61-62)
29
Step 3 Instruction
We were now at Step Three. Many of us said to our Maker, as we understood Him: "God, I offer
myself to Thee -- to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of
self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear
witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will
always!"
We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon
ourselves utterly to Him. (yes-no?) (AA p. 63)
If you can answer yes, then let us take this prayer together and we will have taken step three.
3rd Step Prayer

God, I offer myself to Thee, to build with me and do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of
the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory
over them may bear witness to those that I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love and Thy
Way of Life. May I do Thy Will always. Amen
Step 3 Paycheck
When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new
Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed
His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our
own little plans and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could
contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we
could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of
today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn. (AA p. 63)
This concludes the material for Step 3
30
Step 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 4 Instruction
Part One of Step 4 – Flaws and Failures

Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal
housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision Step 3 was a vital and
crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once (fast) followed by a strenuous effort
to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us. Our liquor (substances,
acting-out behaviour) was but a symptom. So we had to get down to causes and conditions.
Therefore, we started upon a personal inventory. This was Step Four…We took stock honestly. First,
we searched out the flaws in our make-up which caused our failure. (AA p. 63-64)
Review the “flaws in our make-up” or “defects of character”. Read pages 48 and 49 in the Twelve
Steps and Twelve Traditions. They are called the 7 deadly sins. Review them in respect to your life
and failures. Refer to the 7 deadly sins included at the end of this guide.
Next, review your failures. All the people you have failed in your lifetime. Start with your
immediate family, then extended family, friends, school, etc. Next all business dealings,
governments, justice system, financial institutions, income tax, welfare, etc. Go back through your
life. Refer to the Failure List included at the end of this guide.
“Nothing counted but thoroughness and honesty.” Try to understand what defects of character were
involved in your failures. List all of your failures.
Part 2 of Step 4 – Self List

Being convinced that self, manifested in various ways, was what had defeated us, we considered its
common manifestations. (AA p. 64)
Look up the word “Self” in the dictionary and look through self-derivatives (common
manifestations). Write the “Common Manifestations” of self that pertain to your actions in your
failures. Refer to the Self List included at the end of this guide. Try to see the connection.
Part 3 of Step 4 – Resentful at...

Resentment is the "number one" offender. It destroys more alcoholics (addicts) than anything else.
From it stem all forms of Spiritual disease, (pride, jealousy, envy, selfishness, dishonesty, greed,
sloth, lust, hate, etc.) for we have been not only mentally and physically ill, we have been Spiritually
sick. (Would you agree - yes-no?) When the Spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out
mentally and physically. In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper. We listed people,
institutions or principles with who we were angry (Column 1). (AA p. 64)
We went back through our lives. Nothing counted but thoroughness and honesty. When we were
finished we considered it carefully. The first thing apparent was that this world and its people were
often quite wrong. To conclude that others were wrong was as far as most of us ever got.
(AA p. 65-66) Study the column diagrams on (AA p. 65). * Complete each Column before
starting the next Column.
31
Part 4 of Step 4 – The Cause of Our Anger
We asked ourselves why we were angry (Column 2). (AA p. 64)
Part 5 of Step 4 – Affects my...

In most cases it was found that our self-esteem, our pocketbooks, our ambitions, our personal
relationships, (including sex) were hurt or threatened.(Column 3) So we were sore. We were
"burned up." On our grudge list we set opposite each name our injuries. Was it our self-esteem, our
security, our ambitions, our personal, or sex relations, which had been interfered with? (Column 3)
(AA p. 64-65)
RESENTMENTS: We were usually as definite as this example: (AA p. 65)
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 (Blocks) Column 5 (Power)
Part 3 – Resentful at... Part 4 – The Cause... Part 5 – Affects my... Part 7 – My wrongs... Part 7 – Amend...
People, Institutions The Cause... This affects, threatens, Where am I at fault? What should I have
& Principles hurts or interferes with Where am I to blame? done instead?
my…self-esteem, What are my mistakes? Identify assets to strive
Towards whom am I Why am I angry? security, ambitions Identify character for i.e. humility, trust,
angry? pocket book, defects,liabilities, intimacy, honesty,
relationships shortcomings,blocks i.e. contentment, generosity,
(including sex) false pride,jealousy, lust, love, zeal, forgiveness,
dishonesty,envy, greed, unselfishness, patience,
fear, sloth, hate, etc.
selfishness, impatience,
etc.
Mr. Brown His attention to my Sex relations (fear) Love & Forgiveness
(Resentment) wife. Told my wife of Self-esteem Infidelity, Lust, Honesty
my mistress. Brown Ambitions? Dishonesty Humility
may get my job at the Pocket book? False Pride Unselfishness
office. Security? Selfishness & Self- Faithfulness to her
Seeking Trust
Jealousy
Mrs. Jones She's a nut -- she Personal relationships (fear) Love & Forgiveness
(Resentment) snubbed me. She Self-esteem False Pride Humility
committed her husband Jealousy & Suspicion Trust
for drinking. He's my Intolerance Tolerance
friend. She's a gossip. Selfishness Unselfishness
Look for the good in
others
My employer Unreasonable -- Self-esteem (fear) Love & Forgiveness
(Resentment) Unjust -- Security False Pride Humility
Overbearing -- Pocket book Dishonesty & Stealing Honesty
Threatens to fire me Ambitions Greed Generosity
for my drinking and Laziness & Sloth Hard & Honest Work
padding my expense Selfishness, Self- Unselfishess
account. seeking Restitution
Be Helpful
My wife Misunderstands and Personal False Pride Humility
(Resentment) nags. Likes Brown. relationships (fear) Love & Forgiveness
Wants house put in her Sex relations Jealousy & Suspicion Trust
name. Security Infidelity & Honesty &
Dishonesty Faithfulness
32
Each person is like an actor who wants to run the whole show; is forever trying to arrange the lights,
the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way. (AA p. 60) Driven by a hundred
forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they
retaliate. (AA p. 62)
Using Bill’s references in Step Three as to how I’m like an actor trying to run the show. Consider
here in (Column 3) how I believed the situation should have gone and how I’m in the world
assigning roles:
 Self-esteem is my stage character. The role that I’ve assigned myself.

 Pride is how the rest of the players are supposed to see to me.
 Ambition is what I want out of this scene.
 Security is what I need out of this scene to be okay.
 Personal Relations is my deep seated idea of what this type of relationship should look
like.
 Sex Relations is my deep seated ideas of how a real man and/or real woman would be in
this situation.
 Pocket Book relates to my finances.
Part 5 of Step 4 ends, “They may be the dubious luxury of normal men, but for the alcoholic, these
things are poison.” (AA p. 66)
Part 6 of Step 4 – How we get well

We turned back to the list for it held the key to the future... Part 6 ends, “but at least God will show
us how to take a kindly and tolerant view of each and every one.”(AA p. 66)
4th Step Prayer
This was our course: We realized that the people who wronged us were perhaps Spiritually
sick. Though we did not like their symptoms and the way these disturbed us, they, like
ourselves, were sick too. We asked God to help us show them the same tolerance, pity, and
patience that we would cheerfully grant a sick friend. When a person offended we said to
ourselves, “This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being
angry. Thy will be done.” We avoid retaliation or argument.
(AA p. 66)
Freedom from Bondage Prayer

“If you have a resentment you want to be free of, if you will pray for the person or the thing
that you resent, you will be free. If you will ask in prayer for everything you want for
yourself to be given them, you will be free. Ask for their health, their prosperity, their
happiness, and you will be free. Even when you don´t really want it for them and your
prayers are only words and you don´t mean it, go ahead and do it anyway. Do it every day
for two weeks, and you will find you have come to mean it and to want it for them, and you
will realize that where you used to feel bitterness and resentment and hatred, you now feel
compassionate understanding Love.”
(AA p. 552)
33
Part 7 of Step 4 – My Wrongs...
Referring to our list again. Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done (Column 2), we
resolutely looked for our own mistakes (Column 4). Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-
seeking and frightened? Though a situation had not been entirely our fault, we tried to disregard the
other person involved entirely. Where were we to blame? (Column 4) The inventory was ours, not
the other person's. When we saw our faults we listed them (Column 4). We placed them before us in
black and white. We admitted our wrongs (Column 4) honestly and were willing to set these matters
straight (Column 5). (AA p. 67) This will be the list for Steps 8 and 9.
~The fears that drive the delusions, that result in the attitude that are behind the actions.
Part 8 of Step 4 – Fear List

Notice the word “fear”... We reviewed our fears thoroughly (All 5 Columns). We put them on paper,
even though we had no resentment in connection with them. We asked ourselves why we had them
(Column 2).(AA p. 67-68)
FEARS: We were usually as definite as this example:

Why am I fearful? my… What are my mistakes? Identify assets to strive
Who or What am I Identify character for i.e. humility, trust,
afraid of? self-esteem, security, defects,liabilities, intimacy, honesty,
ambitions,pocket book, shortcomings,blocks i.e. contentment, generosity,
What am I afraid of relationships (including false pride,jealousy, lust, love, zeal, forgiveness,
losing or not getting? sex) dishonesty,envy, greed, unselfishness, patience,
etc.
Fear of no control Other people make Self-esteem Arrogance Humility
mistakes and are Security Intolerance Acceptance
incompetent - if I want Ambitions Inconsideration Be considerate
anything done right I Pocket book Bullying & Abusive Be helpful to others
must do it myself! Personal Selfishness & Self Unselfishness
relationships Seeking Trust & Faith in God
Jealousy & Suspicion
Part 8 of the Fourth Step ends, “we ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He
would have us be. At once we commenced to outgrow fear”. (AA p. 68)
Part 9 of Step 4 – Sex Problems List

Now about sex. Many of us needed an overhauling there. But above all, we tried to be sensible on
this question...What can we do about them?…We reviewed our own conduct over the years past.
Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate? (Column 4) Whom had we hurt?(Column 1)
Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion or bitterness? (Column 2) Where were we at fault
(Column 4), what should we have done instead? (Column 5) We got this all down on paper and
looked at it. (AA p. 68-69)
34
HARMFUL CONDUCT (Including SEX): We were usually as definite as this example:
What did my conduct my… What are my mistakes? Identify assets to strive
Whom have I hurt by arouse? Identify character for i.e. humility, trust,
my conduct, including self-esteem, security, defects,liabilities, intimacy, honesty,
sex? How did I affect them? ambitions,pocket book, shortcomings,blocks i.e. contentment, generosity,
Jealousy? Suspicion? relationships (including false pride,jealousy, lust, love, zeal, forgiveness,
Bitterness? sex) dishonesty,envy, greed, unselfishness, patience,
etc.
Spouse Had an affair, I aroused Self-esteem False Pride (self- Humility
(Sex Conduct) jealousy, resentment, Sex relationships loathing) Faithfulness to her
distrust. I affected her Lust & Infidelity Unselfishness
selfesteem -- She felt Dishonesty Appreciate her
inadequate Selfishness & Self Intimacy
Seeking Consideration
Inconsideration
My employer Stole products from Pocket book Dishonesty, Stealing Honesty, Restitution
the store. Self-esteem Selfish, Self-seeking Be helpful
Slandered his name. Slander Stop slandering
Resentment Forgiveness
Greed Generosity
Step 4 Paycheck
If we have been thorough about our personal inventory, we have written down a lot. We have listed
and analyzed our resentments (All 5 Columns). We have begun to comprehend their futility and their
fatality. We have commenced to see their terrible destructiveness. We have begun to learn tolerance,
patience and good will toward all men, even our enemies, for we look on them as sick people. We
have listed the people (Column 1) we have hurt by our conduct (Column 4), and are willing to
straighten out the past if we could. (Column 5)
In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we could not do ourselves. We hope
you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. If
you have already made a decision Step 3, and an inventory Step 4 of your grosser handicaps, you have
made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and digested some big chunks of truth
about yourself. (AA p. 70-71)
Keep in mind that it is not necessary, for newcomers to talk about every resentment or selfish act, or
each person he or she has ever lied to or harmed for the inventory to be thorough. The objective is
to get to "causes and conditions". Sometimes it takes only a few incidents to make clear which short-
comings have kept the newcomer blocked from an intimate, two-way relationship with the "One who
has all power."
Congratulations! You have completed the Fourth Step Inventory.
35
Step 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature
of our wrongs.
Steps 5, 6 and 7 should all be taken in the same day.
Starts Chapter 6 “Into Action”. (AA p. 72) Having made our personal inventory, what shall we do
about it? We have been trying to get a new attitude, a new relationship with our Creator, and to
discover the obstacles in our path. We have admitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough
way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the weak items in our personal inventory
(Column 4). Now these are about to be cast out. This requires action on our part, which, when
completed, will mean that we have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the
exact nature of our defects (Column 4). This brings us to the Fifth Step in the program of recovery....
This is perhaps difficult, especially discussing our defects (Column 4) with another person…. If we
skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking (using, acting-out)…We must be entirely honest
with somebody (Basic Text Sponsor) if we expect to live long or happily in this world. Rightly and
naturally, we think well before we choose the person or persons with whom to take this intimate and
confidential step. Those of us belonging to a religious denomination which requires confession
must, and of course, will want to go to the properly appointed authority (for criminal matters, see a
lawyer; for mental-emotional issues, see a therapist; for medical issues, see a doctor) whose duty it
is to receive it. (AA p. 72-74)
Step 5 Instruction
When we decide who is to hear our story, we waste no time. We have a written inventory and we are
prepared for a long talk…We pocket our pride and go to it, illuminating every twist of character,
every dark cranny of the past (Are you willing to do this – yes-no?).
Step 5 Paycheck
Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in the
eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the
nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain Spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have a
Spiritual experience. The feeling that the drink problem has disappeared will often come strongly.
We feel we are on the Broad Highway, walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe.
(AA p. 75)
36
My Moral Inventory Checklist
Self-will (Column 4) Step 4 & 5 God's will (Column 5) Steps 8 & 9

(NO POWER) (POWER!)
My liabilities, blocks, character defects… The assets I need to strive for…
False Pride, Arrogance, Self-loathing Humility
Jealousy, Distrust, Suspicion Trust
Envy Contentment
Selfishness Unselfishness
Self-seeking Helpful to others
Dishonesty, Stealing, Lying Honesty, Integrity, Restitution
Intolerance, Inconsideration Tolerance, Acceptance, Tact
Greed Generosity
Lust, Infidelity Intimacy, Chaste, Faithfulness
Hate, Anger, Resentment Forgiveness
Sloth, Laziness, Procrastination Activity, Zeal, Promptness
Impatience Patience
Fear Love
Irresponsible, Blaming Others Responsible, Accountable
37
Step 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Returning home we find a place where we can be quiet for an hour, carefully reviewing what we
have done (All 5 Columns). (AA p. 75)
Is our work solid so far - yes-no? Are the stones (Steps 1-5) properly in place? (yes-no?) Have we
skimped on the cement put into the foundation? (yes-no?) Have we tried to make mortar without
sand? (yes-no?) If we can answer to our satisfaction, we then look at Step Six. (AA p. 75)
Step 6 Instruction
We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. Are we now ready to let God remove from
us all the things (Column 4) which we have admitted are objectionable? (AA p. 76)
Can He now take them all, every one?
(Are you now ready to have God remove all these defects – yes-no?)
If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing. (AA p. 76)
When you can answer yes, then you will have taken step six.
Step 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Step 7 Instruction
When ready, we say something like this:
7th Step Prayer.

"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that
you now
remove from me every single defect of character...
(Column 4 -- list character defects, for example, "God, please remove my dishonesty,
resentment,
selfishness, fear...." )
...which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength...
(Column 5 -- list assets to strive for..."God, strengthen my honesty, forgiveness,
unselfishness
and love...")
...as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen."

(AA p. 76)
We have then taken Step Seven.
38
Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make
amends to them all.
Now we need more action, without which we find that "Faith without works is dead." 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 – (yes-no?) (AA p. 76).
Column 1 (Persons, Institutions) Who have I harmed Column 5 (What I should have done instead)
and to whom do I need to make a direct amends? What do I need to do to straighten out the past?
(Step 8) What did my conduct arouse? How did I What behaviour will convince them more than my
affect them? (Column 2 - Harms Inventory) words? (Step 9)
(Example) My Spouse (Relationship Conduct) Show appreciation to my spouse by being faithful,
Infidelity, dishonesty, inconsideration, selfishness. honest, and unselfish. I will practice intimacy and be
I aroused in her bitterness, jealousy, resentment. I considerate of her needs and desires. I will spend more
affected her self-esteem and aroused feelings of time with (her) and I will practice these principles on a
inadequacy. daily basis.
(Example) My former employer (Resentment) Be forgiving. I will admit all my wrong doings in person.
I was angry and verbally abusive. I was dishonest and I will make restitution on what I stole. I will stop
stole from him. I slandered his name to others. slandering his name. I will ask him what more can I do
to right the wrong I have done
39
Step 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so
would injure them or others.
We subjected ourselves to a drastic self- appraisal. (yes-no?) 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 (drugs, obsessive-compulsive behaviours). (AA p. 76)
The rule is we must be hard on our self, but always considerate of others. (AA p. 74)
Item 1 - Resentments
Probably there are still some misgivings (yes-no?)…The question of how to approach the person we
hated will arise. It may be they have done us more harm than we have done them and, though we
may have acquired a better attitude toward them, we are still not too keen about admitting our faults
(Column 4). Nevertheless, with a person we dislike, we take the bit in our teeth. We go to them in a
helpful and forgiving spirit (Column 5), confessing our former ill feeling and expressing our regret
(Column 4). Under no condition do we criticize such a person or argue...We are there to sweep off
our side of the street...Their faults (Column 2) are not discussed. We stick to our own (Column 4).
(AA p. 76-78)
Anger/Resentment Forgiveness Prayer
This was our course: We realized that the people (Column 1) who wronged us were perhaps
Spiritually sick. (Would you agree - yes-no?) Though we did not like their symptoms
(Column 2) and the way these disturbed us (Column 3), they, like ourselves, were sick too.
(Would you agree - yes-no?) We asked God to help us show them the same tolerance, pity,
and patience (Column 5) that we would cheerfully grant a sick friend. When a person
offended we said to ourselves, "This is a sick person. How can I be helpful (Column 5) to
this person? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done."
(AA p. 66-67)
Item 2 - Money
Most alcoholics (addicts) owe money (yes-no?) We do not dodge our creditors…We must lose our
fear of creditors no matter how far we have to go, for we are liable to drink (use, act-out) if we are
afraid to face them. (AA p. 78)
Item 3 - Criminal Offences

Perhaps we have committed a criminal offence which might land us in jail if it were known to the
authorities (yes-no?)…Although these reparations take innumerable forms (Column 5), there are
some general principles which we find guiding. Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to
any lengths (follow the recipe) to find a Spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and
direction to do the right thing (Column 5), no matter what the personal consequences may be. We
may lose our position or reputation or face jail, but we are willing. We have to be. We must not
shrink at anything. (AA p. 80-81).
40
Remove Fear Prayer
Instead we let Him demonstrate (Column 5), through us, what He can do. We ask Him to
remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be (Column 5). At
once, we commence to outgrow fear.
At once we commence to outgrow fear ! " (AA p. 68)
Item 4 - Sex Relationships

The chances are that we have domestic troubles (yes-no?) Perhaps we are mixed up with women
(others) in a fashion we wouldn't care to have advertised. (AA p. 78-79)
Prayer for Sex Amends
We asked God to mold our ideals (Column 5) and help us to live up to them…In
meditation, we ask God what we should do about each specific matter. The right answer
will come, if we want it…We earnestly pray for the right ideal (Column 5), for guidance in
each questionable situation, for sanity, and for the strength to do the right thing. If sex is
very troublesome, we throw ourselves the harder into helping others. We think of their
needs and work for them. This takes us out of ourselves. It quiets the imperious urge, when
to yield would mean heartache.
(AA p. 69-70)
Step 9 Instruction
Before taking drastic action which might implicate other people we secure their consent. If we have
obtained permission, have consulted with others, asked God to help and the drastic step is indicated
we must not shrink. (AA p. 80)
Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead. We must take the lead. A remorseful mumbling
that we are sorry won't fill the bill at all…The Spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it…Our
behaviour will convince them more than our words (Column 5). We must remember that ten or
twenty years of drunkenness (addiction) would make a skeptic out of anyone. There may be some
wrongs we can never fully right. We don't worry about them if we can honestly say to ourselves that
we would right them if we could. Some people cannot be seen – we sent them an honest letter. And
there may be a valid reason for postponement in some cases. But we don't delay if it can be avoided.
We should be sensible, tactful, considerate and humble (Column 5) without being servile
(grovelling) or scraping (awkward) (Column 4). As God's people we stand on our feet; we don't
crawl before anyone. (AA p. 83)
41
Step 9 Paycheck – The Twelve Promises
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half
way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past
nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No
matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and
gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life
will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how
to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what
we could not do for ourselves. (AA p. 83-84) (Do you want this experience in your life - yes-no?)
42
Step 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly
admitted it.
Step Ten suggests we continue to take personal inventory step 4 and continue to set right any new
mistakes steps 8,9 as we go along. (Are you willing to do this - yes-no?) We vigorously commenced this
way of living as we cleaned up the past. (Are you willing to do this - yes-no?) We have entered the
world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an
overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty,
resentment, and fear. step 4 When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them. steps 3,7 We discuss
them with someone immediately step 5 and make amends steps 8,9 quickly if we have harmed anyone.
Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help. step 12 Love and tolerance of others is
our code. (AA p. 84)
Step 10 Paycheck
And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone, even alcohol (drugs, gambling, sex, sugar,
codependency, etc). For by this time sanity will have returned. We will seldom be interested in liquor
(using, acting-out). If tempted, we recoil from it as from a hot flame. We react sanely and normally,
and we will find that this has happened automatically. We will see that our new attitude toward
liquor (drugs, gambling, sex, sugar, codependency etc.) has been given us without any thought or
effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we
avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality safe and
protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for
us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit Spiritual
condition. (AA p. 84-85)
43
My Daily (Step 10) Personal Inventory
LIABILITIES to watch for:SELF-WILL (Column 4) BLOCKS Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
1. Resentment
2. False Pride, Arrogance, Self-loathing
3. Envy
4. Jealousy, Distrust, Suspicion
5. Dishonesty, Lying, Exaggeration, Stealing
6. Selfishness, Self-Seeking, Self-Centeredness
7. Laziness, Sloth, Boredom
8. Inconsideration, Intolerance
9. Lust, Infidelity
10. Immoral Thinking, Vulgar Talk
11. Hate, Wrath, Anger, Irritability
12. Greed (money) or Gluttony (food)
13. Slander, Gossip, Spreading Rumours
14. Impatience
15. Fear of...
ASSETS to strive for: GOD'S WILL (Column 5) POWER Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
1. Forgiveness
2. Humility
3. Contentment
4. Trust
5. Honesty, Integrity
6. Unselfishness
7. Activity, Zeal, Promptness
8. Tolerance, Acceptance
9. Intimacy, Chaste
10. Purity
11. Love, Kindness
12. Generosity
13. Praise Others, Look For The Good In Others
14. Patience
15. Faith, Trust God
44
Step 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact
with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will
for us and the power to carry that out.
Step Eleven suggests prayer (talking to God) and meditation (listening to God). (AA p. 85) (Are you
willing to do this - yes-no?)
Step 11 Instruction
PM Focus
When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or
afraid?step 10 Do we owe an apology? step 8,9 Have we kept something to ourselves which should be
discussed with another person at once? step 5 Were we kind and loving toward all? What could we
have done better? Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time? Or were we thinking of what we
could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life? step 12 But we must be careful not
to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection (Column 4), for that would diminish our usefulness
to others. step 12 After making our review we ask God's forgiveness step 7 and inquire what corrective
measures steps 8,9 should be taken. (AA p. 8)
AM Focus
On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day.
(Column 5 - strive for assets) Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking step 3, especially
asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives step 10. Under these
conditions we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, for after all God gave us brains to
use. Our thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane when our thinking is cleared of wrong
motives. (AA p. 86)
Mid-day Focus
In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which course to
take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy.
We don't struggle. We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have tried this for a
while. (AA p. 86)
We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day
what our next step is to be, that we be given whatever we need to take care of such problems. We
ask especially for freedom from self-will, and are careful to make no request for ourselves only. We
may ask for ourselves, however, if others will be helped. We are careful never to pray for our own
selfish ends. Many of us have wasted a lot of time doing that and it doesn't work. (AA p. 87)
45
Step 11 Paycheck
As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or
action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to
ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done." We are then in much less danger of excitement,
fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions (Column 4). We become much more efficient. We
do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to
arrange life to suit ourselves. It works - it really does. (AA p. 87 – 88)
(If the "One who has all Power" is going to supply us with the "right answers," wouldn't it be a
good idea to jot down thoughts and images we receive in meditation so we can remember them?)
Self Will Test (any one characteristic) God' Will Test (must have all 4 Absolutes)
(Column 4) NO POWER (Column 5) POWER
Is it Dishonest? Is it Honest?
Is there Resentment? Is it Pure (i.e. Does it have Integrity?)
Is it Selfish? Is it Unselfish?
Is there Fear? Is it Loving?
46
Step 12. Having had a Spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to
carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our
affairs.
Chapter 7 is all about Step 12. This is gratitude in action. It is the primary purpose of Alcoholics
Anonymous to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. This is the action that ensures
our sobriety above any other.
Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking (using, acting
out) as intensive work with other alcoholics (addicts). It works when other activities fail. This is our
twelfth suggestion: Carry this message to other alcoholics (addicts)! (Are you willing to do this -
yes-no?) You can help when no one else can. You can secure their confidence when others fail.
Remember they are very ill. (AA p. 89)
This seemed to prove that one alcoholic (addict) could affect another as no nonalcoholic (non-
addict)
could. It also indicated that strenuous work, one alcoholic (addict) with another, was vital to
permanent recovery. (AA p. xvi – xvii)
...I soon found that when all other measures failed, work with another alcoholic (addict) would
save the day. (AA p.15)
...the broker had worked hard with many alcoholics (addicts) on the theory that only an alcoholic
(addict) could help an alcoholic (addict), but he had succeeded only in keeping sober (clean)
himself. He suddenly realized that in order to save himself he must carry his message to another
alcoholic (addict). (AA p. xvi, A.A. Forward to the 2nd Edition)
We have recovered, and have been given the power to help others. (AA p. 132)
But if you are shaky you had better work with another alcoholic (addict) instead. (AA p. 102)
Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while isn't
enough. (AA p. 97)
It is important for them (newcomer) to realize that your attempt to pass this (our recipe) on to them
plays a vital part in your recovery. Actually, they may be helping you more than you are helping
them. (AA p. 94)
Step 12 Paycheck
Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch
loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends -- this is an
experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with
newcomers and with each other is the bright spot of our lives. (AA p. 89)
47
Summary
It is easy to let up on the Spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for
trouble if we do, for alcohol (drugs, obsessive-compulsive behaviour) is a subtle foe. We are not
cured of alcoholism (addiction). What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the
maintenance of our Spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's
will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee, Thy will (not mine) be done." These are
thoughts (Column 5) which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this
line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will. (AA p. 85)
Thus we grow. And so can you, though you be but one person with this book (Basic Text of A.A.) in
your hand. We believe and hope it contains all you will need to begin. We know what you are
thinking. You are saying to yourself: "I'm jittery and alone. I couldn't do that." But you can. You
forget that you have just now tapped a source of power much greater than yourself. To duplicate,
with such backing, what we have accomplished is only a matter of willingness, patience and labor.
(AA pp. 162-163)
Remember, recovery from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body is possible by working 12
steps, as directed in the Basic Text of Alcoholics Anonymous, everyday. There is much more work
ahead, this just the beginning.
Trust God, Clean House, Help Others.
48
The 7 Deadly Sins
49
These considerations were taken from pages 48, 49, 66 & 67 of the Twelve and Twelve. The bold
type presents definitions from Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.
PRIDE:
An over high opinion of oneself; exaggerated self-esteem; conceit, arrogance, vanity, self-
satisfaction.
Egotistical vanity; too great admiration of ones self. Pride makes me my own law, judge of morality
and my own god. Pride produces criticism, back-biting, slander, barbed words and character
assassinations which elevate my own ego. Pride makes me condemn as fools those who criticize
me. Pride gives me excuses. Pride produces:
 Boasting; or self glorification

 Love of publicity; conceit in what others say about me
 Hypocrisy; pretending to be what I am not
 Hardheadedness; refusal to give up my own will
 Discord; resenting any who cross me
 Quarrelsomeness; quarrelling whenever another challenges my wishes
 Disobedience; refusal to submit my will to the will of lawful superiors and to God´s will
Have I been so proud that I’ve been scorned (disrespected) as a braggart (bragger)? Have I acted
prideful, consciously or unconsciously out of fear? Have I used pride to justify my excesses in my
sex conduct? Do I like to feel and act superior to others?
GREED:
Excessive desire for acquiring or having; desire for more than one needs or deserves.
Perversion of man´s God-given right to own things. Do I desire wealth in the form of money or
other things as an end in itself rather than as a means to an end, such as taking care of the soul and
body in their needs? In acquiring wealth in any form, do I disregard the rights of others? Am I
dishonest, and if so, to what degree and in what fashion? Do I give an honest day´s work for an
honest day´s pay for example? How do I use what I have? Am I stingy with my family? Do I love
money or possessions for these things in themselves? How excessive is my love of luxury? How do
I preserve my wealth or increase it? Do I stoop to such devices as fraud or perjury, or dishonesty or
sharp practices in dealing with others? Do I cal stinginess “thrift”? Do I call questionable business
“Big Business” or “drive”? Do I call unreasonable hoarding “security”? If I presently have no
money and little other wealth, how and by what practices will I go about getting it later? Will I do
almost anything to attain these things and kid myself by tagging my methods with innocent names?
Have I been so greedy that I’ve been or could be labeled a thief? Do I long for the possessions of others out
of fear of not getting enough? Do I let greed masquerade as ambition?
50
LUST:
To feel an intense desire, especially sexual desire; to long: after or for.
Inordinate love and desires of the pleasures of the flesh. Am I guilty of lust in any of its forms? Do
I tell myself improper or undue indulgence in sex activities is required for “good health” or needed
for a full life or as a basic requirement for “self-expression”? Do I engage in any kind of sex
activity out of wedlock? If married, do I act like a man or a beast? Do I really believe that lust is
Love, or do I secretly know that lust is not Love and Love is not sex? Don´t I know that sex is only
one of the expressions of Love morally limited to wedlock? Have I engaged in any kind of lustful
excesses that have affected my reason by:
 Perverting my understanding and making me intellectually blind and unable to see the
truth?
 Weakening my prudence, thereby harming my sense of values and causing rashness?
 Building up self-love and so generating thoughtlessness?
 Weakening my will until I have lost the power of decision and have become a man of
inconstant character?
Have I been lustful enough to rape, if not physically what about in my mind? Do I fear I will never have the
sex relations I need? Do I have sex excursions that have been dressed up in dreams or delusions of romance?
ANGER:
A strong feeling excited by a real or supposed injury; often accompanied by a desire to take
vengeance, or to obtain satisfaction from the offending party; resentment; wrath.
A violent desire to punish others. Do I ever fly into rages of temper, become revengeful, entertain
urges to “get even” or an “I´ll not let him get away with it” attitude? Do I ever resort to violence,
ever clench fists or stomp about in a temper flare-up? Am I touchy, unduly sensitive, impatient at
the least sight? Do I ever murmur or grumble even in small matters? Do I realize at all times that
anger disrupts mental poise and often ruins good judgement? Do I permit anger to rule me when I
know it blinds me to the rights of others? Do I permit myself to become angry when others are
weak and become angry with me? Can I hope to entertain the serene Spirit of God within a soul
often beset by angry flare-ups of even minor importance? Have I been angry enough to murder? Do I
get angry out of fear when my instinctive demands are threatened? Have I enjoyed self-righteous anger in the
fact that many people annoy me and that makes me superior to them? Have I enjoyed gossiping as a polite
form of murder by character assassination?
51
GLUTTONY:
One who eats too much. One with a great capacity for something; as, a glutton for work.
Abuse of lawful pleasures God attached to eating and drinking of foods required for self-
preservation. Do I weaken my moral and intellectual life by excessive use of food or drink? Do I
generally eat to excess and thus enslave my soul and character to the pleasures of the body beyond
reasonable needs of the body? Do I kid myself I can be a “hog” without affecting my moral life?
Did I ever, when drinking, become nauseated and re-gorge only to immediately return and drink
some more? What about my drinking before the alcoholic drinking set in? Did I drink so much that
my intellect and personality deteriorated; so much that my memory, judgement and concentration
were affected; so much that my personal pride and social judgement vanished; so much that I
developed a spirit of despair, a weakening of my will and materialization of life as opposed to the
Spiritualization? Have I been gluttonous enough to ruin my health? Do I grab for everything I can, fearing
I’ll never have enough? Do I bury myself in my work, hobbies or activities?
ENVY:
To resent another for excellence or superiority in any way, and to be desirous of acquiring it.
Sadness at another´s good. How envious a man am I? Do I dislike seeing others happy or
successful as though they have taken from my happiness or success? Do I resent those smarter than
I because I am jealous? Do I ever criticize the good done by others because I secretly wish I´d done
it myself for the honor of prestige to be gained? Am I ever envious enough to try to lower another´s
reputation by starting or engaging in gossip about him? Do I ever carry tales? Being envious
includes calling religious people “hypocrites” because they go to church and try to be religiously
good even though subject to human failing even as I am. Am I guilty here? Do I deprecate the well-
bred man by saying or feeling that he puts on airs? Do I ever accuse the educated or wise learned of
being highbrow because I envy their advantages? Do I genuinely Love other people, or do I find
them distasteful because I envy them in the above ways or other ways? Do I agonize over the chronic
(persistent or recurring) pain of envy? Does seeing the ambitions of others materialize make me fear that
mine haven’t? Do I suffer from never being satisfied with what I have? Have I spent more time wishing for
what others have than working towards them?
SLOTH:
Disinclination to action or labor; sluggishness; habitual indolence; laziness, idleness; slowness;
delay.
Illness of the will which causes a neglect of duty. Am I lazy, given to idleness, procrastination,
nonchalance and indifference in material things? Am I lukewarm in prayer? Do I hold self-
discipline in contempt? Would I rather read a novel than study something requiring brain work, the
Basic Text for example? Am I ever listless with aversion to effort in any form? Am I easily
distracted from things Spiritual, quickly turning to things temporal? Am I ever indolent to the extent
that I perform work carelessly? Have I been paralyzed by sloth? Do I get alarmed with fear at the
prospect of work? Do I work hard with no better motive than to be secure and slothful later on? Do I loaf
and procrastinate? Do I work grudgingly and under half steam?
52
Step 4 Worksheets
53
Failure List (Example A)
Go through your life listing all your failures. Start by listing the names of the people, places and
things that you have failed throughout your lifetime. Every relationship that you have had; Family,
Friends, Spouses, In-Laws, Schools, Employers, Banks, Government, etc. Group common
relationships, Family, Friends, Employers, etc. Place each individual separately.
Next go through and list how you failed that relationship. Fill in the sin(s) that pertain specifically
to that relationship. Some relationships will have all 7 sins, some will have one, two or more. Be
thorough and honest.
Once you have completed listing the appropriate sin(s) with the appropriate people, write about how
that sin was specific to the failure in that relationship. There may be several ways in which you
failed a relationship with a sin.
Now read (12&12 pp. 53-54)
Failures How and why I failed
54
Failure List (Example B)
Go through your life listing all your failures. Start by listing the names of the people, places and
things that you have failed throughout your lifetime. Every relationship that you have had; Family,
Friends, Spouses, Children, In-Laws, Schools, Employers, Banks, Government, etc. Group common
relationships, Family, Friends, Employers, etc. Place each individual separately.
Next go through and list how you failed that relationship. Fill in the sin(s) that pertain specifically
to that relationship. Some relationships will have all 7 sins, some will have one, two or more. Be
thorough and honest.
Once you have completed listing the appropriate sin(s) with the appropriate people, write about how
that sin was specific to the failure in that relationship. There may be several ways in which you
failed a relationship with a sin.
God
Pride: I failed God through self-righteous...
Anger: I failed God by...
Greed: I failed God by...
Lust: I failed God by...
Envy:
Gluttony:
Sloth:
Family
Spouse
Pride: I failed my Spouse through self-righteous, running her down and boosting myself.
Anger: I failed my Spouse by getting angry and slapping her...
Greed: I failed my Spouse by hoarding money and spending it...
Lust: I failed my Spouse due to...
Mother
Pride: I failed my Mother through...
Gluttony: I failed my Mother by over indulging in alcohol...
In-Law A
Pride: I failed my In-Law through...
Anger: I failed my In-Law by getting angry and...
Friends
Friend A
Greed: I failed my friend by...
55
Employers
Employer A
Pride: I failed my employer through...
Anger: I failed my employer by getting angry and...
Coworker A
Pride: I failed my coworker through...
Anger: I failed my coworker by getting angry and...
Sloth: I failed my coworker by being slothful and...
Employer B
Pride: I failed my employer through...
Anger: I failed my employer by getting angry and...
Sloth: I failed my employer by being slothful and...
Coworker B
Institutions
Schools
Banks
Government
Remember to be thorough, including all names of all people that you have had relationships with.
Do not leave any name out, for example, boyfriends girlfriends, their parents, their children, lovers,
flings, schoolmates, etc.
56
Self List
Look up the word “Self” in the Dictionary. Write the “Common Manifestations” of self that pertain
to your actions in your failures. For example, (Self-centered, self-seeking, self-absorbed, etc.)
Common Manifestation How it affected each failure
57
#______)______
RESENTMENT INVENTORY
"God please help me see the truth about my resentments”
I’m resentful at: (AA p.65 example)________________________________________________________

The Cause: (AA p.65 example)____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Affects my: Keep Columns 1 & 2 in mind while writing the 3rd Column considerations (AA p. 65) “we considered it carefully”).
Look at the 3rd Column and consider the opposite of each sentence to let the inventory reveal your fears behind each of
the seven areas of self. (AA p.65 example and p.67) “Notice the word “fear” is bracketed alongside the difficulties”.
SELF ESTEEM: How I see or feel about myself. “The role I’ve assigned myself” Fear of being...
Start sentences with—"I am... Example: I am the best husband she could have. ( not good enough )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
PRIDE: How I think others see me or feel about me. “The role I’ve assigned others”
Start sentences with— “Others should...” or “No one should...” or “Others can...”
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
AMBITION: What I wanted to happen here. Start sentences with— “I want..."
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
SECURITY: What I need here to be okay. Start sentences with— “I need...to be okay"
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
PERSONAL RELATIONS: My deep seated beliefs of how this relationship is supposed to look.
(“Wives trust their husbands” “Mothers respect their sons choices” “Real friends always agree with me”)
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
SEX RELATIONS: My deep-seated beliefs of how real men and/or real women are supposed to be.
Start sentence with—“A real man...”and/or “A real woman...”
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
POCKET BOOK: Affects my finances.
(Start with—"No one (can, should, shouldn't)..." or Others (can, should, shouldn't)...")
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
__________________________________________________________________( )
58
The Realization: “How have I done the things I’ve resented in Column 2 to the person I’ve listed in
Column 1 and/or others?” (AA p.66) “This was our course: We realized that the people who wronged us were
perhaps spiritually sick...like ourselves”. Skip this if Column One is not a person.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
"God, this is a sick person like myself. How can I be helpful to them? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done."
FOURTH COLUMN: Disregard the other person involved entirely, this is your inventory not theirs.
Where was I to blame, before? during? after? What did I do? (AA p.67). • Look at the things you do to hold on to
the resentment. • Look at things you do to protect yourself and how you look, I shun, I gossip, I yell. • Stay
focused on what you’ve seen so far in Column One thru the Realization as you write.
“Where had I been...”
SELF-SEEKING: Look around the whole resentment, what did I do? where was I to blame?
My selfish actions or activities were... ?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
SELFISH: What was my selfish thinking while I was doing the above actions?
My selfish attitudes were... ?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
DISHONEST: What were the lies I was telling myself that resulted in my selfish thinking above?
I was in the delusion that... ?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
AFRAID: What are the fears that drive the delusions above?
I was afraid... ?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
The above fears drive the delusions, that result in the attitude that are behind the actions.
(AA p.62) “driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking and self pity [my attitude]...
Consider if there are any other fears that should be on the fear list. Consider the opposite of each fear, if it
applies add it to the list. Example: being alone/being committed? failing/succeeding?
(AA p.68) "We put them on paper, even though we had no resentment in connection with them.")
HARM: Do I see any harm I caused. Look around the resentment as well? ie: parents, friends, employers.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
59
SEX INVENTORY WORKSHEET
“God please help me see the Truth about my conduct in relationships”
Name: _____________________________________ Relationship:_____________________________
Write a brief history of the relationship:

My motives for getting involved were...___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
My specific conduct in the relationship has been..___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
The major points that came up in the relationship are..._______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
How it ended...? or how it is now..._______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
60
Look at each relationship and answer these nine questions (AA p.69)
1) Where had I been selfish? ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
2) Where had I been dishonest? ________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
3) Where had I been inconsiderate? _____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
4) Whom did I hurt? (Look around the relationship)?________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
5) Did I arouse jealousy? _____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
6) Did I arouse suspicion? _____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
7) Did I arouse bitterness?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
8) Where was I at fault? ______________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
9) What should I have done instead? ( In the relationship. Don’t write “not gotten involved in the first place.” )
Make sure you are especially explicit with Question #9 you will refer back to this for writing the Sex Ideal.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Harm: Write any specific harm that comes to you while writing. ___________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
61
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COURTESY OF “RECOVERY BY THE BOOK” MEETING

General Inventory – Failure List................................................................................................................3

Step 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves..................................................31

Step 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being..................................................36

Step 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings....................................................................38

Step 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible..........................................................40

The 7 Deadly Sins....................................................................................................................................49

1. Has alcohol affected, in any way, your present relationship?

2. Has alcohol affected, in any way, past meaningful relationships?

5. Is alcohol a problem for the person you are presently with?

8. Has alcohol ever been cause for you to be unfaithful in a relationship?

1. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your children?

5. Has alcohol, in any way, affected your ability to be a good parent?

2. Has alcohol caused you to loose friends?

3. Are most of your friendships centered around alcohol?

5. Has alcohol, ever caused you to be phony or dishonest with a friend?

6. Has alcohol ever caused you to steal from or lie to a friend?

10. Has alcohol ever caused you to be disloyal to a friend?

1. Has alcohol had any affect on your present financial situation?

2. Has alcohol affected your future financial goals in any way?

3. Has alcohol at any time affected your credit rating?

5. Has alcohol ever been the reason for borrowing money?

7. Has alcohol ever caused you to be selfish with money?

8. Has alcohol ever caused you to steal money?

1. Has alcohol ever caused you missed time from work?

3. Has alcohol ever caused you to loose a job?

4. Has alcohol ever caused you to change jobs?

6. Has alcohol ever caused you to NOT look for a job?

7. Has alcohol ever caused you to quit a job?

9. Has alcohol ever caused you to stay with a particular job?

10. Has alcohol ever caused your job performance to be affected?

1. Has alcohol ever interfered with your leisure/recreational activities?

2. Has or is your leisure time centered around alcohol use

5. Have you ever used sports or recreational activities as an excuse to drink?

6. Has alcohol ever become an important aspect of your vacations?

1. Has alcohol ever caused you to be convicted of a criminal offence?

3. Has alcohol ever caused you to seek legal advice?

7. Has alcohol ever caused you to not be bondable?

8. Has alcohol ever caused you to go to jail or serve time?

9. Has alcohol ever caused you to lie to a policeman, judge or lawyer?

1. Has alcohol ever affected you physically in any way?

2. Has alcohol ever caused you to see a doctor?

5. Has alcohol ever caused you any physical limitations?

7. Has alcohol ever caused you to go to a hospital or an emergency unit of a hospital?

10. Has alcohol ever caused you to be unable to perform sexually?

1. Has alcohol, in any way, ever affected your sex life?

2. Has alcohol ever affected your sex drive?

3. Has alcohol ever caused you to be sexually unfaithful?

5. Has alcohol ever caused you to force sex on someone else?

7. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience impotency?

1. Has alcohol affected you mentally in any way?

2. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience blackouts (memory loss)?

3. Has alcohol affected your memory in any way?

8. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience personality changes?

2. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience mood swings?

3. Has alcohol ever caused you to experience personality changes?

5. Has alcohol ever caused you to worry or be depressed?

6. Has alcohol ever caused you to to experience anxiety or fear?

7. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel helpless, hopeless or useless?

8. Has alcohol ever caused you to attempt or to have thoughts of suicide?

9. Has alcohol ever caused you to feel unhappy?

1. Has alcohol ever, in any way, affected your Spirituality?

Name: _________ Relationship:_

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