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AA 4th Step Tips

As of 2011, more than 12 million people actively suffer from alcoholism in the United States. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well-known support group created to help alcoholics overcome their addictions. The organization has a 12-step process designed to address the underlying emotional issues that lead to alcohol addiction. The fourth step requires a person to take a fearless moral inventory of himself. While this step may seem daunting, some tips can help an alcoholic complete this important process.

  1. Write it Down

    • The fourth step in AA -- taking a fearless moral inventory of oneself -- is the first action step of the program. This step requires a person to list all the traits and attitudes that have had a negative impact on his life. The act of physically writing down these traits brings about the release of emotions. Seeing the issues on paper helps the addict acknowledge what brought him to this point in his life. Filling out an inventory list is the best way for an addict to complete this step.

    Talk to a Sponsor

    • In AA, experienced recovering alcoholics, called sponsors, volunteer to guide new members through the 12-step process. People starting the fourth step are strongly encouraged to work on this step in the presence of their sponsor. Sponsors guide the addict through the entire list of questions that must be answered. These men and women also provide emotional support through this sometimes painful undertaking. Admitting the private aspects of one's personality out loud to another individual is a key step to becoming sober.

    Be Honest

    • Being honest about one's faults is vital to maintaining sobriety.

      Pointing out the less desirable traits of one's personality can be difficult. No one likes to admit she has faults. However, to make this step truly work, an addict must answer every question honestly and completely. Ignoring negative emotions and memories does not make them go away. In fact, doing so can seriously threaten a new member's sobriety. Conquering the fear of this step itself is usually harder than actually doing the work. Many addicts look back and realize it wasn't as hard or painful as they first imagined it would be.

    Use a Worksheet

    • AA provides many resources for alcoholics who are taking control of their disease. Pre-made worksheets for the fourth step are readily available. These forms can be found online and in print, and sponsors will gladly help a beginner find the appropriate materials. The forms are extremely beneficial because they ask every question that needs to be answered to complete this step. It can be easy to skip the questions a person believes are too painful or not important; the worksheets keep an addict from taking the easy way out of this step.

    Don't Criticize Past Mistakes

    • The process of AA's fourth step brings the darker parts of an addict's personality into focus. Beating oneself up for mistakes made in the past only prolongs the problem. This step is about moving forward and making positive changes in life. Everyone makes poor decisions from time to time. The reasons why a mistake was made are much more important than the actual mistakes themselves. Sobriety is an ongoing process, and forgiving oneself is crucial for success.

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