Step 10 - " Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it"
When we approach step 10 we commence to put our AA way of living to practical use. Then abruptly comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?
When a drunk has a hangover because he drank yesterday, he cannot live well today. But there is another kind of hangover, the emotional hangover, which we all experience whether we are drinking or not. This is the direct result of yesterday's and sometimes today's excesses of negative emotions - anger, fear, jealousy and the like. If we would live serenely today we must certainly eliminate these emotional hangovers.
Step 10 is the first of the "living steps", which specifically enable us to practice our program's principles in all our affairs. Properly exercising this step is the key to the common question: HOW DOES SOBER LIVING WORK? As the Big Book suggests, regarding consummation of this critical step, "We have entered the World of the Spirit. Our next step is to grow in understanding and effectiveness." What exactly does that mean and how do I go about doing this? Just HOW DO I STOP DRINKING? HOW DO I STOP USING METH? HOW DO I STOP USING OPIATES? How do I overcome addiction once and for all? The answer is simple but not easy. Ours is a spiritual program of action which requires a willingness to put in the work and humble oneself. But millions have blazed the trail before us and on these giants' shoulders we may proudly stand.
You may be asking, "IS SOBER LIVING RIGHT FOR ME?" If you've found you're having trouble with substance abuse and are honestly looking to make a change, then Turning Point Recovery Network can provide the support you need. A.A. is a program of "we" therefore none must go it alone.