Step 7 of the AA 12-Step Program: Humbly Requesting Assistance

Step 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) encourages individuals to exhibit humility by requesting a higher power to remove their faults and replace their imperfections with spiritual practices. This step focuses on acknowledging imperfections and the importance of personal growth.

Comprehending Humility in AA:

• Humility involves modesty, reducing arrogance, and having a humble view of one's significance.
• AA posits that people with addiction may lack humility, making it difficult to admit mistakes or flaws or recognize the need for change.
• Step 7 aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself and promote meaningful connections with others.

How Step 7 Operates:

• Step 7 concludes the initial phase of recovery initiated in Step 4.
• The goal is to identify and address personal shortcomings and flaws that contribute to problematic alcohol consumption.
• Focus on being humble and recognizing your imperfections.
• Request a higher power to eliminate these flaws.

Religion and Step 7:

• AA utilizes the phrase "God as we understand Him," allowing individuals to interpret their source of strength.
• Individuals may substitute the term "God" with a religious entity or secular concepts such as "higher power," "nature," or "the universe."
• Instead of a prayer, people may find guidance through meditation or a mantra.

Step 7 Prayer:

• "My creator, I am now willing to give you all of me, good and bad. I ask that you now remove from me every defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength as I go out from here to do your bidding.”

Benefits of Step 7:

• Acknowledges that you're not flawless and need assistance in overcoming addiction.
• Requesting aid can be humbling yet empowering.
• May change attitudes that contribute to addiction.
• Fosters humility to help let go of harmful flaws.
• Prepares you to recognize how your actions have hurt others (Step 8).
• Releases defensiveness, blame, and excuses.
• Helps clarify life goals.
• Embracing humility can bring peace and a grounded perspective.

Completing Step 7:

• There isn't a specific method for completing Step 7.
• Reflect on your shortcomings and seek guidance in overcoming challenges.
• Write a list of flaws to ponder, seek therapy, or find support.
• Consider previous steps, appreciate a strengthened connection with a higher power, engage in spiritual practices, and evaluate your perspective.

Struggling with Step 7:

• Communicate with a mentor or sponsor who has completed Step 7.
• Be patient and focus on positive changes.
• Transition from self-reliance to seeking assistance.
• Recognize that recovery takes time.
• If needed, revisit Step 7 as new issues may arise.

Real-World Instances:

• Identifying a flaw (e.g., acting childish when things don't go your way) and recognizing its negative impact on relationships.
• Understanding the link between stress and drinking and asking a higher power to remove the flaw for positive progress.
• Acknowledging the inability to admit mistakes, making excuses, and lying, and requesting guidance to learn from experiences.