Step Four

There are a number of traits that alcoholics seem to have in common. Among these are a short and selective memory.

That's one reason why we need to attend AA meetings on a regular and constant schedule. So that we can be reminded of who we are and the steps necessary to overcome who we are. Today I was reminded about the healing powers of Step Four of AA's Twelve Steps. This is when we take a moral inventory of our lives, listing both our character assets and liabilities. By doing this, we see, in writing, the part we have played during our existence in the situations that have caused us so many problems. When done honestly and wholly, we see that most "bad" things that have happened to us are of our own making. Many alcoholics, new in recovery, are afraid to look at themselves in this way; afraid to admit that they are the cause of their own problems. Not until this is done, however, can real changes occur.

Once we "see" these situations, we can then change our thinking and behavior.

None of these changes can occur while we are still active in our addiction. Alcohol and/or drugs prevent self-honesty by their very nature. This is why it is so very important to put some sober time together, get a sponsor to guide us through the AA steps and make those changes necessary to learn a new way of life.

Or we can choose to drink and ignore the problem. I don't have that luxury. It will kill me.