While the personal inventory has a specific place in the treatment and recovery process, it is not a one time only event. It also enables you to envision and pursue a better life. This process of self-scrutiny, however, moves you closer to recovery and further away from addiction. In order to be effective, however, you must be thorough and completely honest.Įxamining yourself so closely can be tremendously difficult, especially when you do not like what you see. Your personal inventory will help you take responsibility for your actions, accept yourself for who you are, identify changes you wish to make, and promote self-awareness. What character attributes strengthen my recovery? – hopes, beliefs, dreams, changes, personal strengths, self-awareness, self-acceptance, acts of love, kindness, and generosity? You may also want to add one other question:Ĥ. Other qualities may have emerged as a result of the addiction.

What character flaws in me feed my addiction? – insecurities, fears, anxieties, poor self-image, lack of confidence, excessive pride, controlling behavior, anger, and others? A character defect is defined as, “qualities of your personality that may impede recovery from addiction or decrease your quality of life.” These qualities may have been present before your addiction, and in some instances, may have contributed to your addiction. How does my addiction affect those around me? – at home, at work, financially, in social situations, as a role model for children, with regard to the safety of myself and others, etcģ. How does my addiction affect me?– physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, in terms of my self-image, etcĢ. If not, or if you are revisting Step Four, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends you ask yourself the following questions:ġ. Approaching your personal inventory in a balanced way will help you get through the process, and your treatment plan will likely find the best way for you. It is difficult to face our mistakes and flaws without defining ourselves only by those mistakes. There’s a reason why making a “searching and fearless moral inventory” of yourself is Step Four in the 12-Step Program. By examining your past, you can break the cycle of addiction and start a better future. However, going through this personal inventory with unflinching honesty will help you identify negative habits and avoid doing them in the future. Reflecting on the past can be very hard and bring up memories you wish would stay away. As the philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Conducting a personal inventory can be a useful way to acknowledge what you have been through, and help you plan your happy, healthy life.

Take personal inventory