Alcoholics Anonymous' seventh step asks that you change your attitude and move forward with humility. Step seven allows you to give yourself over to your higher power and ask it to remove the character flaws that have harmed yourself and others. By asking your higher power to remove your defects of character, you can begin the process of healing and start making amends.
After you have completed step seven, your sponsor will often ask you to read the seventh step 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."
Once you have accomplished the seventh step, you will likely start feeling a modest pride developing, which is presumably very different from how you felt during active addiction. When drinking, people with alcohol problems often feel superior to others, leading to a lack of connection.
If you are struggling with addiction, it is essential that you seek help. Many resources are available to you, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). As you work through the 12-step recovery program and learn the spiritual principles, remember that it is a process - progress, not perfection, is what counts.
With time and effort, you can start your own recovery, overcome your addiction, and rebuild your life.
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease that affects the body and mind. It is not just a matter of willpower or lack thereof. Alcoholism is an addiction that causes physical and psychological dependence.
Left untreated, alcoholism can lead to serious health problems, including liver cirrhosis, cancer, heart disease, and pancreatitis. It can also damage relationships, job prospects, and financial stability.
There is no one cause of alcoholism. Instead, various factors contribute to the likelihood of developing an addiction. For example, the genes you inherit may make you more likely to develop the disease. Environmental factors such as stress or exposure to alcohol at an early age may also play a role.
Though there is no cure for alcoholism, treatment can help you overcome your addiction and manage the disease. Treatment may include counseling, medications, and support groups.
It is important to remember that there is no shame in getting help for a disease that is so difficult to overcome independently. The sooner you ask for help and start treatment, the better your chances for a full recovery.
AA is a self-help group that was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith for people struggling with an addiction to alcohol. Nowadays, AA meetings are held worldwide, with more than two million members attending 12-step groups.
The goal of AA is to help those struggling with alcohol addictions overcome their dependence and achieve sobriety. The group does this by providing support and fellowship to its members. During AA meetings, members share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other in a bid to help one another remain sober.
AA is a non-profit organization, and it is not affiliated with any religious or political groups. Anyone can join AA, regardless of age, gender, or religious beliefs. There is no cost to join, and membership is confidential.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, AA may be helpful. For more information on AA or to find a meeting near you, visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website or contact us today.
The 12-steps have been adapted and changed over the years, but they remain the foundation of the AA program. Step seven closely follows steps four, five, and six.
In the fourth step, members make a list of all the resentments they have. In the fifth, members share this list with their sponsor so that they can find a pattern of their defects of character. The sixth step sees members becoming ready to have God, or another higher power, remove their defects of character.
Different sponsors work step seven in different ways, but the process always involves asking God, or a higher power, to remove shortcomings. This is often done by creating a modified version of the Prayer of Saint Francis, a prayer that was originally believed to be written by the Christian saint.
Within AA, the concept of a higher power is fundamental. While AA is not religious, it is spiritual, and part of the program involves getting in touch with a higher power. People new to AA often find this difficult to get their heads around but usually come around to the idea after being in the rooms for a while.
If you are struggling with the idea of a higher power, speak with someone from AA or your sponsor about their experience of how they came to believe in a power greater than themselves.
AA is not the only manner of alcohol addiction treatment. If you are seeking addiction treatment, there are plenty of other options, such as:
Alcoholics Anonymous has been helping people gain long-term recovery from alcohol abuse since 1935. Many people see the 12-steps as an excellent way of living a sober life while also receiving many other benefits.
If you are looking for a private and convenient solution to addiction treatment, please reach out to us today. At Cirque Lodge, we provide an enriching rehabilitation experience.
Located in the Rocky Mountains of Utah, our high-quality behavioral healthcare can help you take the first step in addressing your addiction. Likewise, our exceptional quality care standards guarantee that you have the support you need at all times.
How to Deal With an Alcoholic Spouse
How to Stay Sober During the Holidays
What Happens When You Stop Drinking
