These faults or ways of behaving and coping have been with the individual for a long time.
In which case, we may be sober but very unhappy.
Stopping drinking without addressing those behaviors makes slipping back into our old habits easier.
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That is why Steps 4 through 7 are in the middle of the 12 steps.
It’s all about being honest with ourselves and those around us.
Identifying our shortcomings and admitting them is not the end of the process.
Becoming “entirely ready” to do something about them is key to the solution.
History of Step 6
Step 6 introduces the phrase “defects of character.”
When Alcoholics Anonymous first emerged, the DSM listed alcoholism and addiction as personality disorders.
Today, researchers and clinicians understand that alcohol and substance misuse are brain-based conditions.
However, many behaviors resulting from alcohol and substance misusesuch asdenialare obstacles on the road to recovery.
Learning to recognize these behaviors as problematic and being willing to change them are essential for long-term recovery.
Helpful Strategies
There are some things that may help us approach Step 6.
This is not easy for many alcoholics.
Working the first five steps seems grueling at first, but they manage to do it.
Then, the “humble” part steps in.
How do we make ourselves humble?
If the messages of the first five steps sink in, we find humility.
Feeling humility can help people recognize how these past mistakes need to be addressed.
Then people can take the road to redemption bymaking amends.
Acceptance
The goal of Stage 6 is not to engage in self-condemnation or shaming.
Narcotics Anonymous.The Narcotics Anonymous Step Working Guide.
Schenker MD.A clinician’s guide to 12-step recovery: Integrating 12-step programs into psychotherapy.W.
W. Norton & Company; 2009.
