Step Seven of AA’s Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Step Recovery Program is about getting rid of character defects and replacing them by practicing humility & spiritual principles. Working on the seventh step requires constant consideration and a commitment to be honest, courageous and humble. The important role of humility in the recovery process is that it allows individuals to accept their limitations, foster peace, and build a foundation for lasting sobriety. Humility is an important component of addiction treatment and this step. Humility doesn’t mean that people in this step feel humiliated. Working Step Seven is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
Ideally, they learned to manage negative feelings in the previous steps. Admitting personal shortcomings is a foundation for change, as it opens the door to honest self-assessment and growth. This is not to say that they never have a negative feeling again. But it does mean that they have the tools to better cope with those feelings. The usefulness of removing shortcomings is that it enhances one's ability to serve others and fulfill their purpose in recovery. The operating spiritual principle behind Step Seven is humility; other applicable spiritual principles include will and open-mindedness. The moral inventory taken in earlier steps is a key preparatory step that helps individuals reflect on their faults and character defects.
It is not difficult to see that these principles are prerequisites for the change necessary to become our true selves. If you have successfully completed the first six steps of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, you are ready to move to Step 7. The steps prepared you for the humility required in Step 7 by encouraging honest self-reflection and spiritual readiness to ask for help. And there is a need to practice spiritual principles rather than character defects. In this step, participants learn to see the truth of their lives and understand their place in the world. We strive to provide information, tools and resources to work on a 12-step program (or any program that uses 12-step principles for recovery) in the simplest and most effective way possible. This ongoing opportunity for personal growth highlights the usefulness of spiritual practice in recovery.
Step 7 of AA gives you the opportunity to make a clear change of attitude about alcohol abuse and open yourself to life with a higher power and to others. Acting on new spiritual principles and practicing humility in daily life are essential for continued progress. The results of the Seventh Step may not materialize immediately, but they will do so over time. There is an ongoing opportunity to practice humility and seek greater humility as you continue your recovery journey. The seventh step is to learn that you can’t control the course of your life, but you can control the spiritual movements you make. In this step, you have humbly asked your higher power or God to remove your character defects; you have asked him to remove your shortcomings, and you pray for God to remove all that stands in the way of your usefulness. The focus is to remove our shortcomings, as identified and accepted in the previous steps.
If I had tried to make these different decisions before following the steps above, it would have been more difficult. Step 7 began with an addition to my daily prayer about eliminating my flaws and using my character flaws for good, and then evolved into a much greater awareness of my actions and thoughts throughout the day. Realizing the reality of my situation and understanding that recovery is about progress, not perfection, has been crucial. In the previous steps, you’ve been slowly identifying and breaking down layers of ego, selfishness, deception, denial, and other negative attributes. Admitting substance abuse and working to overcome addiction are central to this process. But step seven isn’t simply about knocking someone off their horse or putting them “in their place.”. It is also about stopping thinking patterns that reinforce self-centeredness and embracing new ways of being.
Introduction to the Seventh Step
The seventh step of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) marks a pivotal moment in the recovery process, where individuals focus on spiritual growth and personal transformation. At this stage, the journey is about more than just abstaining from alcohol—it’s about developing a new way of living. The seventh step invites alcoholics to humbly ask a higher power to remove their character defects and shortcomings, recognizing that true change often requires help beyond their own willpower. By embracing humility and being open to guidance, individuals can begin to overcome addictive behaviors and gain a more reasonable perspective on life. This step is not just a request for help, but a commitment to ongoing growth and a willingness to let go of old patterns. Through the seventh step, people in recovery open themselves to lasting sobriety and a deeper, more meaningful life, guided by spiritual principles and the support of AA.
Understanding Character Defects
Character defects are the negative traits and behaviors that can keep individuals trapped in the cycle of alcohol addiction. In the context of AA, these defects might include self-centeredness, pride, resentment, or a lack of humility—qualities that can damage relationships and hinder personal growth. Recognizing and understanding these character defects is a crucial part of the recovery process, as it allows individuals to see how these flaws have contributed to their addiction. The seventh step prayer, which asks a higher power to remove every single defect of character, is a powerful act of surrender and willingness to change. By facing these shortcomings honestly and seeking help to overcome them, individuals can make meaningful progress toward lasting change and a healthier, more fulfilling life. This process is not about achieving perfection, but about making steady progress and embracing personal growth, one day at a time.
The Role of a Higher Power
A higher power is central to the seventh step, offering strength, guidance, and hope to those working through recovery. In AA, the idea of a higher power is intentionally broad, allowing each person to define it in a way that feels meaningful to them. Whether it’s God, the collective wisdom of the group, or another power greater than oneself, the key is to recognize that overcoming addiction often requires support beyond personal effort. By surrendering to a higher power, individuals can let go of the need to control everything and open themselves to new possibilities for healing. Practices like prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection help deepen this connection, providing comfort and clarity on the path to long-term sobriety. Trusting in a higher power can bring a sense of peace and purpose, making the recovery journey more manageable and meaningful.
The Importance of Humility
Humility is at the heart of the seventh step, guiding individuals to acknowledge their limitations and accept help. Practicing humility means letting go of pride and self-centeredness, which are often barriers to recovery. The seventh step requires a person to humbly ask for their shortcomings to be removed, an act that can feel vulnerable but is essential for growth. By embracing humility, individuals develop a more honest and compassionate view of themselves, recognizing that everyone has flaws and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. This willingness to admit imperfection and ask for help is a cornerstone of the twelve steps, laying the groundwork for lasting sobriety and ongoing spiritual development. Through humility, those in recovery can build stronger connections with others and with their higher power, creating a solid foundation for a new way of living.