February 26, 2020
Since 1935, the Twelve Steps of Recovery have guided struggling substance abusers to a new way of life. In this installment, we examine the Sixth Step:
“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
The Sixth Step is about a willingness to change. By this point in the Steps, we have already taken a “fearless moral inventory”, where we listed all of our character defects and shortcomings. And now, we want to leave all of that negative baggage behind.
We are ready to change for the better.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has identified the Stages of Change, and by comparing them to the Steps, we can evaluate our own progress.
Step Six is a “bridge”, because now that all is Prepared, it is time to Act.
We can’t move upward and onward unless we release everything that’s been holding us back and keeping us down. “Cleaning house” emotionally means that everything that we no longer want or need must go. This includes the behaviors, thoughts, and attitude that bring chaos and conflict into our lives.
Some of the things we need to leave behind might include:
Letting go can be hard—especially when we’ve become accustomed to responding and coping in a certain way. In fact, we may even define ourselves by our faults. Even though our dysfunctional behaviors and mindsets are bad for us, they’re all we’ve known.
But that’s just it—we’ve also known the pain, embarrassment, and regret caused by our defects. If we want to stop hurting ourselves and others, then we have to start over.
We’ll repeat the Sixth Step again and again. Whenever we find ourselves at the mercy of destructive personal traits, we’ll need to once again learn to let go.
If you want to know more about overcoming addiction by shedding character defects, Teensavers Treatment Centers can help. As the most-trusted adolescent-focused drug rehab in Orange County, Teensavers has been providing premier recovery services since 1978.
Teensavers—“Transforming Lives…”
Helpful tips and strategies that can help with the management of ADHD in teens.
Read MorePeople often struggle with thoughts of self-harm, especially when they are experiencing a mental health disorder. This article provides tips for coping.
Read MoreFind out the affects social media has on teens and what parents can do to help.
Read MoreAnorexia is more prevalent in females than males. This article gives details on the long term consequences of anorexia, symptoms and available treatment options.
Read More