Step 10 encourages those in recovery to regularly review their actions, reflect on their feelings, and take accountability for their behaviors. By taking responsibility for their responses and examining their experiences, individuals can recognize their successes and identify areas for improvement that they might have overlooked.
| Step 10 of Alcoholics Anonymous |
|---|
| "Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it." |
- Step 10 of AA involves ongoing self-reflection to help individuals take responsibility and stay mindful of their actions in recovery.
- Step 10 of AA is an ongoing process, one that is intended to be returned to daily, monthly, and even yearly.
- Step 10 encourages those in recovery to reflect on their actions and motives, take responsibility, and make amends when necessary; over time, this practice strengthens impulse control and promotes healthier reactions.
What does Step 10 of AA mean?
Step 10 begins the next phase in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, with it and the subsequent two steps being the basis for how long-term recovery from alcohol addiction is managed. [1]
The 10th step reads as follows: “Continue to take personal inventory, and when you are wrong, to promptly admit it.”
Medical advisor
PhD, LCPC
Steps one through nine of the AA program have taught the participant how to look inward and assess how their actions affect the world around them while admitting their mistakes to others. Through attaining the ability of introspection, the AA member is ready to take daily stock of their lives and begin to control their actions. The weight of old habits and alcohol dependence begins to lift as the person can reflect on temptations and monitor their behavior.
How does the 10th Step work?
Step 10 may seem pointless or obvious from the outside (and even to some members who reach this step). We may all consider being aware of our actions, but are we really taking stock?
Step 10 asks those who are in recovery to not only consider their actions but to also take note of them and reflect on why they felt or behaved in a particular way. Taking personal responsibility for how you act and react to the world around you is crucial for a successful recovery from alcoholism.
While taking a stoic approach to situations, one that is able to observe and react in a measured way, is the ideal of step 10, it does not require you to make the right choice every time. For example, if you get into a heated debate with a colleague or employer and end up raising your voice, it does not mean you have failed. Instead, you are expected to own your actions and take appropriate steps to right your wrongs, in this case by apologizing sincerely for losing your temper.
Over time and through close introspection of your daily actions you will begin to gain more control over impulses and identify where you have made mistakes.
How long does step 10 of AA last?
Step 10 of AA is an ongoing process, one that is intended to be returned to daily, monthly, and even yearly. By taking a small amount of time each day to reflect on your actions over the past 24 hours, you can ensure that you are keeping yourself on a healthy equilibrium and not allowing any mistakes or ill actions to accumulate.
Periodic reviews, such as every month or so, allow you to see if you are maintaining promises made, keeping healthy relationships, avoiding negative situations, and keeping your life in balance on a larger scale. This periodic reflection can illuminate wins in your life, as well as highlight areas that need improvement that you may have missed.
Many members of AA use this period of reflection to see if they are still maintaining the work done in previous steps, and they will return to any that have been neglected or need further work. This process will often last a lifetime, as recovery is about continuously growing and developing to be the best version of yourself you can be.
