Principle of Step 4

🪞 Step 4 of Recovery: The Principle of Courage and Self-Reflection

Step 4 in the 12-step recovery model is:

“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

This is where recovery gets deeply personal. You’re no longer just admitting or surrendering—you’re courageously looking inward to uncover the patterns, behaviors, and beliefs that have shaped your life.

🔍 Core Spiritual Principles of Step 4

• Courage: Facing your past honestly, even when it’s painful or uncomfortable.

• Honesty: Digging deep to uncover truths about your actions, thoughts, and motivations.

• Willingness: Being open to seeing yourself clearly, without judgment or denial.

• Self-awareness: Recognizing patterns, triggers, and character defects that fuel addiction.

🧠 What This Step Involves

• Creating a written inventory of your resentments, fears, relationships, and harmful behaviors.

• Identifying how these experiences have affected you and others.

• Beginning to understand your role in these situations—not to blame yourself, but to grow.

🛠️ How People Practice Step 4

• Using structured worksheets or guides to organize thoughts.

• Working closely with a sponsor or mentor for support and accountability.

• Setting aside quiet time for reflection, journaling, or prayer.

• Remembering that this isn’t about punishment—it’s about healing.