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800-819-2978Step 5 of the 12 Steps
Step 5 of the 12 steps states, “We admitted to God (or another higher power), to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” But why is this step so important and how does it help one recover from addiction? If you are struggling with your recovery and require professional treatment, call 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) today.
What Does Step 5 Mean?
As a recovering addict who has already gone through step 4 (making a “searching a fearless moral inventory” of yourself), you must then admit the wrongs you found while making that inventory. These wrongs must be addressed three times: to yourself, to your higher power, and to another individual.
This person can be someone you trust immensely like a spouse or a friend. It can also be your sponsor or your counselor. The latter choice is especially helpful if you are still in a treatment setting. Once you have admitted to these wrongdoings fully all three times, you can begin working on step 6.
Why Do I Have to Admit My Wrongs Three Times?
Step 5 involves admitting to your wrongdoings.
It is important to admit your wrongdoings at least three times in order to accept that you have made mistakes or done selfish things as a result of your drinking or drug use. It is also necessary for you to be able to then move on from these mistakes and focus on your future in recovery.
- Admitting these wrongs to yourself is necessary because you can no longer deny the truth, especially to yourself. You must be open and honest with everyone, and doing so starts with self-honesty.
- You also must admit these things to your higher power. This allows you to create a deeper connection to whatever power you have chosen.
- You must admit your wrongs to another individual as well. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, it “provide[s] an opportunity to be accepted by another person in spite of [your] past behaviors.”
When Do I Know I’m Ready to Move On?
When you realize that you have nothing else to admit, then you can begin moving on to step 6. Because holding back from discussing certain mistakes you’ve made in the past can make it difficult for you to move forward in your recovery, it is always necessary to ensure that you have discussed everything.
This is also important because fear is a vicious motivator. Not wanting to admit to certain mistakes from the past often occurs out of fear of how others will judge us, and your fear of facing your past may also cause you to relapse back to substance abuse.
Seek Treatment Today
If you have already begun your journey through the 12 steps, it is important to stay diligent and to keep working on your sobriety by attending 12-step meetings regularly (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
However, it can be very difficult to create the kind of safe recovery you desire if you have not yet attended a professional rehab program for addiction. Call 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) now to find effective treatment programs that will cater to your needs and help you create the life you want to be living.