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Who Answers?When I started my journey with Alcoholic Anonymous, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was my first time going through the program, and I didn’t really want to be there.
However, I didn’t have a choice. I had gotten caught driving under the influence, and the courts ordered me to attend as part of my sentence.
But at my first meeting, as I listened to others speak, I realized I had to try. Otherwise, I would be stuck in turmoil forever.
Eventually, I realized what a huge benefit the program was for me. Especially one step in particular: step five.
This step asks participants to “admi[t] to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
While it sounds like a simple chore, it actually turned out to be one of the most important parts of my recovery.
Helped Me Realize My Mistakes
Step 5 frees you of the burden of your wrongs.
At first, I wasn’t quite sure what “wrongs” I had committed. Did they really want to hear about the time I was 10 years old and shoplifted a pack of gum from the store?
As it turns out, no.
Instead, my sponsor asked me to focus on character defects, such as:
- Greed
- Jealousy
- Self-pity
- Impulsiveness
- Selfishness
- Arrogance
- Meanness
- Resentment
After he read me this list of bad qualities, I began to realize that I embodied quite a few of them. I bet you do too.
Helped Me Vow to Never Make These Mistakes Again
Realizing that I had been such a terrible person the past few years wasn’t fun.
In fact, it felt downright horrible. How could I have transformed into this vile and unrecognizable human being?
While it did help to know that it was the alcohol that had contributed to my behavior, it still wasn’t a good excuse.
In fact, it kind of depressed me for a few days. Luckily though, I had the support of my sponsor as well as the specialists on this site.
If you need a little encouragement at this stage, I would recommend call them at
800-948-8417
Who Answers?
for help.
In the end, all of this sadness transformed into a fervent desire to never be this sort of person ever again.
Discover How You Can Get Sober with the Help of Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Alcohol Rehab
By taking part in Alcoholics Anonymous while in rehab, you will gain an added support network and helpful coping skills for your recovery.
Helped Me Feel Forgiven
Overall, my favorite part of step five? It helped me feel forgiven.
I know that, at that point, I hadn’t done anything to make up for my mistakes. The people I hurt hadn’t heard my apologies.
However, simply getting all of that turmoil and hurt off of my chest felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders.
It made me feel free. Unburdened.
By confessing my wrongs to myself, my sponsor, and God, I was able to see the good part of me underneath it all.
For so long, my bad behavior had been hiding who I was. But finally, like a phoenix, I could arise from the ashes of my destruction.
Singed, yes. But still in one piece.
If you’re ready to release the burden of alcoholism, I urge you to join Alcoholic Anonymous.
While step five was my favorite part, I promise you that the other steps are equally as helpful.
For more assistance finding a group that meets near you, just call
800-948-8417
Who Answers?
to learn more.
References:
https://www.ivcc.edu/uploadedFiles/_faculty/_mangold/12%20Steps%20of%20AA.pdf
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/ProjectMatch/match01.pdf