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AA Step 10: Taking Personal Inventory and Admitting Our Wrongs

One of the most vital components of one’s recovery from alcohol addiction is support from others. For many, this support can come from 12-Step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. AA utilizes a set of spiritual principles that, when practiced as a way of life, can keep individuals from falling back into active alcohol addiction.1

This article will provide in depth information about Step 10 of the 12-Step process, what its purpose is, how to work this step, and how Step 10 can fit into one’s recovery journey.

What is Step 10 of AA?

 “Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”

Often viewed as a “maintenance step”, Step 10 shifts the focus back to taking personal inventory of one’s actions while simultaneously holding oneself accountable.

The idea of taking personal inventory was first mentioned in Step 4, where the participant was encouraged to take a “fearless moral inventory” of themselves.2 This step served as an opportunity to acknowledge all of one’s character defects and work to eliminate those that were most problematic.2 While Step 10 touches upon key elements of Step 4, it also asks the participant to take action – which, in this case, is to admit their wrongs when they occur.3

What is the Purpose of Step 10 of AA?

The purpose of Step 10 of AA is to adopt the principle of using self-reflection and humility to recognize personal wrongdoings so appropriate accountability can be taken.3 To do this, AA Step 10 highly emphasizes conducting a “spot-check inventory”, where participants analyze their daily successes and shortcomings and address them as needed.3 They’re encouraged to examine their intentions and motives behind their actions, helping them learn how to cope with uncomfortable emotions without falling back into a detrimental pattern of alcohol use.3

Step 10 can also help participants strengthen their self-restraint in emotionally challenging situations, while also building tolerance to others.3

How to Complete Step 10 of AA

Working the 12 Steps is highly personal and can produce a wide range of emotions and reactions. Each person who goes on the journey towards spiritual enlightenment through these steps is going to have their own unique experience with it. It is important to remember that there is no one surefire way to complete each step. However, there is a plethora of advice available that you can pick and choose from based on what feels right for your journey.

Some of the most commonly shared tips and recommendations to complete this step can include the following:

  • Take a daily inventory. Write down or make a mental note of your day. Focus on emotionally challenging moments and acknowledge how they made you feel and how you reacted.
  • Recognize your part. Reflect on any instances where you may have been wrong. For example, ask yourself if your reaction affected the situation negatively or positively.
  • Consider the other person. Remember that everyone has their own challenges, and all you can control is how you respond.
  • Reach out for guidance. Talk your feelings through with your sponsor or spiritual advisor. Listen to their input and advice and, if applicable, use it to continue to grow in your recovery.

How Step 10 Fits into Your Recovery Journey

Completing the 12 steps in order is essential to maximize your spiritual and emotional growth and to achieve your recovery goals.Therefore, prior to working Step 10, it is imperative to complete Step 9.

In Step 9, you work to make amends with the people you have harmed during your active addiction.4 This step emphasizes the significance of honesty, accountability, and forgiveness.4 The effort put forth in Step 9 can help ease the troubling feelings of guilt and shame that have contributed to your continued alcohol use, opening you up to new possibilities in your recovery.4

Step 10 builds off Step 9 by encouraging you to continue looking inward and taking accountability for your actions when necessary.3 However, Step 11 serves as a soft landing following Steps 9 and 10, encouraging you to take the time to forge a deeper connection with your higher power.5 Through prayer and meditation, you can work to improve this connection by praying only for the knowledge of your higher power’s will for you and the strength to carry that out.5

How to Find a 12-Step AA Program

Several 12-Step programs are available in local communities. You can search for local meetings near you on the AA website to find a 12-Step program and look up meetings and resources in your area with AA’s meeting guide app. AA always welcomes new participants, and meetings are free and available nationwide.

Start Your Recovery

Countless options for support and encouragement are available if you or someone you love is battling alcohol misuse or addiction. You can access various levels of care, including medical detox, residential addiction treatment, and multiple outpatient programs for drug and alcohol addiction through American Addiction Centers (AAC). Our facilities that offer 12-Step programming options include the following:

Embarking on your recovery journey can open the doors to life-changing care. Contact AAC by calling to learn more about treatment for alcohol use disorder, using health insurance to pay for rehab, and to be connected to one of our kind, compassionate rehab admissions navigators who can help you get started on a new tomorrow.

 

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