Everyone has fears, but how we cope with them and what we do with those feelings inside makes the difference. This is the first step of the 12-step process that requires you to take action. Though difficult, this step helps to reexamine how we have interacted with the world and question whether our actions were justified. This process can stir up many negative emotions and might Drug rehabilitation cause you to turn away from it. As uncomfortable as it may be, reflecting on your past is often the only way to move forward.
“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Using 4th Step worksheets and guidance from others helps build the foundation http://hr.namaa.sa/?p=16380 for a spiritual awakening and a closer connection to a higher power—key elements in many 12-Step approaches. But lasting sobriety also depends on building healthy habits that prevent relapse, especially when facing challenges related to mental health conditions or cravings tied to a specific type of substance. This guide introduces all 12 steps, with a special focus on Step 4—a deeper personal inventory step. You’ll also find links to 12 – step worksheets, including AA 4th step worksheet and step 4 for dummies style resources. These tools are made to help you reflect, stay organized, and move forward with confidence.
- Writing the list will require you to look at how you avoided responsibility and blamed others for your behavior.
- Then, we can do better for ourselves and others using the better parts of our nature, including those corrupted by addiction.
- Write them out and only the ones that are present in your mind, without leaving anything out.
- They will also direct their attention from blaming others to seeing their part in problems created.
- The therapeutic impact of this step can lead to a more fulfilling life in sobriety.
Start with Prayer and Intention

Writing the list will require you to look at how you avoided responsibility and blamed others for your behavior. It will help you address any abuse you’ve experienced or secrets you’ve kept. Most people with AUD struggle to understand the difference between fact and fiction due to alcohol use affecting their memory. They tend to create stories that allow them to live as they do until they’re ready to begin recovery.
Ultimate Guide to AA Step 4 – Learn How To Write 4th Step Inventory with Big Book Awakenings Worksheet & Prayers

Step four is necessary because a personal inventory is crucial in understanding how you’ll grow spiritually in your recovery. You decide in this step what parts of your character to retain and emphasize what behavior to adjust or discard entirely. It helps you look back at your life and recognize the extent of addiction and its impact on your relationships. The AA fourth step is the stage in alcohol addiction recovery programs that consists of undertaking an exhaustive search within a person’s past to make a fearless moral inventory of themselves. The impact of self-reflection on recovery in aa definition AA can be transformative!
What are examples of step 4 fears?

The best way to write a Step 4 AA inventory is to set a quit time, use a worksheet, and list resentments, fears, harms and assets. The 4th principle of Alcoholics Anonymous is ‘Courage.’ This principle encourages individuals to embrace the courage needed to undertake a fearless and thorough moral inventory of themselves. It highlights the strength required to confront personal challenges, acknowledge wrongdoing, and develop the resolve to change.
Freedom Starts Here. Take Back Your Life Today.
Members work the fourth step with guidance from a sponsor, another A.A. “Making” an inventory of personality characteristics that promoted and/or grew out of one’s alcoholism literally means recording a list of what are often referred to as “character defects”. What this step really asks of the member is much deeper and thorough than anyone may realize at the outset, but with a little diligence and support from a sponsor, the benefits are well worth the effort.