If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re already somewhat familiar with the 12-Step Program. But just in case, the 12-Step Program is a popular recovery program that helps many people achieve long-lasting recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Most people work through the 12 Steps alongside a community recovery group called a fellowship. These groups meet all over the world and provide support, accountability, and peer guidance as members work through the steps independently.

In this article, we’re going to focus on what it looks like to work Step 7. We’ll provide an explanation of what it means, offer tips on how to work Step 7, and give you links to additional resources and worksheets on how to work Step 7 of the 12-Step Program. So, let’s get started.

What are the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Why Is Step 7 Of the 12-Step Program Important?

The primary emphasis of Step 7 is humility. While working this step, the goal is to replace your character defects with humility and spiritual principles.  To do this, you must regularly practice thoughtfulness and honesty in all areas of your life.

In Steps four and five, you identified your strengths and weaknesses. Then, in Step six, you asked your higher power to help you be prepared to deal with your shortcomings. Now, in Step 7, it’s time to act.

Modifying your life to live one of sobriety instead of addiction is a huge change. It will require continual action, thoughtfulness, and effort. The process requires you to be aware and make new choices that will solidify your recovery instead of hindering it. Sure, you will certainly lose some things in life doing this. For example, old friendships from your days of drinking or using might not last. But, those things that are lost will be replaced with something better. It just takes time and continual effort.

Also, when working Step 7, it’s important to develop and maintain a healthy perception of yourself and your part in the world. When you achieve a state of humility, you’ll see that it’s embodied by the act of accepting life on life’s terms and ultimately, settling into the peace and serenity that comes with that.

How Should I Work Step 7 of the 12-Step Program?

When you’re ready to start working Step 7 of the 12-Step Program, getting with your sponsor, counselor, or treatment team in rehab is a good first step. These professionals can help guide you and get you going in the right direction. However, here are a few additional tips that might help.

• Get familiar with your shortcomings. The more familiar you get with them, the easier it will be for you to recognize them when you’re about to do something that will hurt your recovery. Catching yourself in your shortcomings takes a lot of work, but it will become easier with time.
• Remember that you have choices and freedom. Every single day, you have the ability to make right choices and wrong ones. Your addiction does not define you and you can change your behavior. Use the new-found sense of peace and serenity that comes with working Step 7 as motivation to keep going every day.
• Understand that being humble is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, being humble paves the way to personal growth. If you don’t practice humility, your shortcomings will continually stand in the way of your recovery until you are willing to look at your life humbly, ask your higher power to get rid of your shortcomings, and take action.

Printable AA Step Seven Worksheets

Printable Step Seven worksheets may help you work through this step and encourage personal growth with writing prompts and questions. Here are some online resources that may help you work through Step 7 of the 12-Step Program. You can also get AA worksheets from your addiction treatment provider, counselor, or sponsor.

• Steps By the Big Book printable Step 7 worksheets
• Step 7 worksheets and questions for all steps from 12step.org

Who Can Help Me Work the 7th Step of the 12-Step Program?

There are many people in your sober support system who can help you work through Step 7. For example, you can get help from your sponsor, counselor, or your addiction treatment provider. 

If you haven’t taken the first step to get sober yet, Briarwood Detox Center can help. We provide medically-assisted drug and alcohol detox programs with individualized treatment plans that ensure your safety and comfort during detox and withdrawal. Our compassionate staff will design a program that best suits your needs to give you the best possible start at recovery.

Not only do we provide round-the-clock medical supervision and treatment, but we also provide clinical support in the form of individual and group therapy sessions. Clients who are interested in the 12-Step Program are also welcome to attend H&I meetings, where they’ll hear from other sober individuals, meet sober peers, and connect with potential sponsors.

After you’re done detoxing, we’ll help guide you into the next stage of your treatment depending on your needs and financial situation. We work with many insurance providers to make sure detox is as affordable and convenient as possible.

When you’re ready to get help, we’re here to provide it. Just call (512) 262-4426 or contact us online to learn more about our individualized drug and alcohol detox programs.