AA Step 4: Make a Searching and Fearless Inventory of Ourselves

Step 4 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be challenging, as you’ll be required to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourself. In this step, you’ll learn a new level of accountability for your actions. While this step can be trying, working through difficult emotions that come with the examination of past behaviors is key to maintaining your sobriety long-term.¹

Here, we’ll explore how to navigate the fourth step of AA in a way that will help you continue your recovery.

What Is Step 4 of AA?

Step 4 of AA requires you to humbly examine past behaviors and the effects your choices had on yourself and on your loved ones. This process allows you to explore how you deal with shame, pride, embarrassment, anger, and other tough feelings.

What Is the Purpose of Step 4 of AA?

Many people who are beginning the recovery process feel nervous about Step 4, as it can bring up behaviors and feelings from the past that they’re scared to face. Working through the fear with the help of your fellow AA group members, your sponsor, and/or a trained therapist can all provide you with support while you reconsider potentially negative past behaviors.¹

How to Complete Step 4 of AA

AA Step 4 is difficult, especially if you try not to think about actions you’re not proud of.^{1 page 47 third paragraph} However, Step 4 is often essential for healing, and a honest approach can make the step easier to complete.

Try these tips to help you move through Step 4:

• Start—and give yourself grace. Step 4 is challenging, and it’s okay if it takes you a long time to complete it. Feeling the discomfort that comes up when you experience complex emotions while facing your past behaviors can help you fully understand the impact of your addiction, which may help you stay strong in difficult moments down the road.
• Remember your “why.” You’re working through these emotions and thinking about these behaviors with the intention of never experiencing this level of shame and embarrassment again. Many may have used alcohol in their past to numb or avoid confronting these feelings. After you deal with them, you’ll be in a better place to retain full control of your mental faculties as you move forward with your sobriety.
• Fear is normal. It’s okay to be fearful of addressing one’s past. Accepting this fear and working through it can be essential for moving forward in one’s journey to recovery.

How to Find a 12-Step AA Program

If you’re ready to learn more about 12-Step programs, you’ll want to check out both the rehabs.com directory and the Alcoholics Anonymous website, where you can get contact information for those in charge of AA meetings in your area.

Start Your Recovery

At American Addiction Centers, we understand that recovery is incredibly taxing, and we’ll be here with you every step of the way as you work toward sobriety. Our research-backed, comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs work to support your needs, and many of our clients find that AA membership provides vital community support that contributes to their ongoing sobriety.

Our team is here to talk with you about using health insurance coverage for rehab. We’ll also help you determine what level of treatment is right for you. Whether you need drug and alcohol detox, you’re looking for a residential addiction treatment option, or you’re curious about outpatient programs for drug and alcohol addiction, the team at AAC is here to help. Call our Addiction Helpline today to learn more about AA, your insurance, and addiction treatment.