Understanding Step 4 in AA's 12-Step Program

The Alcoholic Anonymous (AA)12-Step Program has been a lifeline for recovering alcoholics. AA Step 4 contributes to the recovery by requiring addicts to look into the root of their addiction. Like the other steps, Step Four of the AA 12-Step program helps the recovering alcoholic overcome their dependence on the substance by using faith, humility and self-reflection. The goal of the steps is to overcome the underlying emotional turmoil that led and fed the alcohol addiction. Step Four of the program is the point where the addict begins looking at the emotional damage.

What this Means

Step 4 reads: "Made a searching and fearless inventory of ourselves." The step does not mean listing every fault that you can think of or wallowing in self-pity over every bad deed you ever committed. What the step means is looking back at the pattern of actions that led to and through your alcoholism in order to find the source of those actions. Yes, you will have to review some of your worst moments, but the trip down memory lane is not the purpose of AA Step Four. The point is to find the root of the problem, to identify it to change it. The honest assessment works like an audit. You look back over the past to find the point where things went wrong. Only then can you prevent it from happening again.

Working the Step

Many 12-Step programs recommend keeping a journal of the stories of your life. Record the memories of your past to help with the inventory. Tell some of the stories in your AA meetings to help your with reflections. Sometimes, in retelling the stories, you can better analyze them. Step Four also requires you to look at your dependence on alcohol. Look back to the time when you began to need the alcohol and when the addiction began to overcome your life. Take a look back at your relationships at the time, and how they may have affected your addiction. Trace some of those guilty feeling back to their source , no matter where they may lead. Oftentimes, addicts find that their guilt is unfounded or rooted in actions that the addict had no control over.

Work this step by writing, talking, telling stories during meetings and reflecting with your support system. Remember to consider the good memories and stories because these have helped you in your addiction as well. The good memories and deeds also serve as a way to find the strengths that the addict will need to complete the program.

How to Lend Support

Family and friends can lend support during the fourth step of Alcoholics Anonymous by listening and being honest with the addict as he or she takes the "searching and fearless inventory." People often believe that withholding information at this stage can save the addict any undo guilt and further hardship. However, support during this stage means sharing the stories and information that you have in a way that is not judgmental or accusatory. The truth is what your loved one needs to complete AA Step 4. Listening at this stage is also critical. Telling the stories and making the confessions can be eye-opening for the addict. It can also be healing for the people who helped the addict during his disease.

References:

Step 4, 12Step.org.

Step Four: Made a Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory of Ourselves, Atlanta Triangle Club.

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.