Humbling ourselves before a Higher Power and asking God to remove all these defects of character requires determination, an open mind, and grace. Expressing a willingness and readiness to shed all our character faults that have led to addiction is a turning point in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Our AA Step 6 worksheet supports you while making this transition.
Changes Healing Center advises clients to attend a community support program at least once weekly after leaving the recovery center. The recovery process doesn’t just stop with the cessation of drug or alcohol use. Instead, your healing is a lifelong process that requires continuous nurturing and hard work. That’s where AA and NA can fill the gap. Attending Twelve Step meetings each week helps you continue on a personal growth trajectory.
Note that although we agree that a structured path in recovery is beneficial, we don’t always agree with the somewhat triggering language of twelve-step programs. For instance, “alcoholics,” “defects,” and some other words can carry a certain level of stigma. Given the program’s overall value, let’s remember that the program was written about 90 years ago, in the Great Depression Era.
The Sixth Step asks that God remove the character defects identified in Step 4 and the admissions made in Step 5. We’ll help you learn how to plug those completed tasks into the next working step – Step 6.
Step 6 is where you fully indicate your readiness for lasting sobriety to a Higher Power. It may feel somewhat passive compared to some of the other steps you’ve completed. However, if you’re not fully ready to place a Higher Power in charge of your life, you’ll fall flat in the subsequent steps.
Before we move on, let’s review the language of Steps 4 and 5, per the AA Big Book. These are an integral part of step six:
This worksheet will help you revisit and reflect on the character defects you listed in Step 4 and your discussion with another person in Step 5. You are becoming entirely ready to have God guide your progress as you start connecting how letting go of past negative behaviors and character flaws can pave a new way forward.
Don’t worry about perfection or your shortcomings as you write. All you need to complete this worksheet is an open mind and honesty in your self-reflection.
Remember, the goal of Step 6 is to tie together all the hard work you’ve put in during the previous steps and gain self-awareness of your readiness for taking future steps in the 12-step program.
On the first page, you’ll focus on one character defect. Because you will challenge and overcome one defect at a time, you might want to print off several copies – check your step 4 list for an accurate count. You’ll follow the same process to confront each of your listed character deficits.
As you work on the second page, you become responsible for looking forward to a life without dealing with the weight of character defects. You’re preparing for the Seventh Step of AA – a difficult step – asking that God remove all these defects.
Imagine ‘RJ,’ whose shortcomings led to a drinking problem and erratic behaviors. He also told about how he yelled at his kids to address their behavior problems, the same way his parents had been quick to anger with him. He is now aware that a sense of fear was, indeed, inappropriate parenting.
RJ’s desire to quit had been there in the past. But without support, he couldn’t achieve long-term sobriety. RJ has completed outpatient treatment and stopped drinking. Now, he’s doing all the work involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. He has identified his character defects and discussed his anger and poor choices with his sponsor. It’s time for Step 6, a crucial step in the 12-step journey.
RJ’s worksheets show a willingness to do the hard work of a 12-step program to have a better life. He is becoming entirely ready to develop a better relationship with his family. More importantly, he’s seeking guidance from a Higher Power as he moves forward in sobriety.
The Twelve Steps can be difficult. Stay encouraged! You’re reaping several helpful benefits by rolling up your sleeves and completing each working step.
AA provides people with a clear pathway to a better life in recovery. The program helps participants see the character defects that likely contributed to substance abuse. Understanding the root cause helps participants address and remove them.
AA places great emphasis on building a sober support community. AA meeting environments are nonjudgmental and supportive, contributing to participants’ willingness to make life changes. The setting allows a focus on connecting with others who understand the struggles of recovery.
The group’s anonymity and privacy policies reinforce sharing one’s shortcomings without fear. The feeling of safety is key when changing behaviors associated with addiction.
AA members work with sponsors – more advanced members who can hold them accountable and encourage them. Sponsors understand that all in AA have defects of character and don’t judge others for their flaws.
Here’s a quick refresher to reinforce your knowledge of all the steps:
Changing Healing Center can provide more support than AA. Some people have been successful dealing with an addiction by attending AA groups, but many do require a laser focus on therapy to achieve sobriety.
The recovery process is never easy, no matter what path you choose. However, Changes, a Joint Commission-accredited treatment center, can offer you all the professional tools to write a new future.
Call our admissions team today for a free, confidential phone assessment of your symptoms and the next steps you can take.
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