Step 7: 12 Steps to Addiction Recovery in 12 Months

By the time we reach step seven, we've explored deep within ourselves to discover all of our character flaws and admitted them to another person.

We are disturbed by the flaws we have found - disgusted by how these flaws have negatively impacted our lives and the lives of those that we love.

A Time of Humility

By step seven, we've come so far, yet there is still a long journey ahead to achieve the necessary mindset for a life of permanent sobriety. Earlier steps were filled with self discovery and hope for a brighter future.

At this point in our recovery, we are faced with how to handle these discoveries. We understand our flaws, but do not understand how to rid ourselves of them.

Releasing Our Negative Traits Once and For All

In step seven, we must release those negative character traits that we have allowed to cause havoc in our lives. The pain and guilt of living with what we've done is a terrible burden, but the thought of harboring these traits forever is even worse.

If we cannot rid ourselves of these traits, we are destined to live a life of shame and slowly drown to death in our disease.

You Are Not Alone

At this point in the 12-Step Program, you are resigned to the fact that there is some higher power beyond yourself. Regardless of the name you give this higher power, you understand that something or someone in this vast universe or beyond is much greater than yourself.

Because you are an extension of your Creator, He is aware that you have shortcomings, though will not take them away from you until you are willing to let them go. This is your test - will you pass? Will you ask your Creator to remove your character weaknesses? Will you fulfill your promise to carry on through life in a way that is in line with a greater purpose?

When we are ready, we offer this prayer:

"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen."

With this whole-heartedly accomplished, we are ready to embrace the lessons in the remaining part of our journey.

About The Author-- Christine OKelly is an author for The Mark Houston Recovery Center, a drug rehab in Texas that offers a 90-day program for males designed around the principals of the traditional 12 steps to recovery. The team is passionate about its mission to help men free themselves from alcohol and drug addiction and recreate and reclaim their lives.

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