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Ocean Bay Recovery | Expert Addiction Recovery Services

Step 10: Self-reflection in Drug and Alcohol Recovery

Reece Wight, Head Addiction Counsellor

“Continued to take personal inventory and when wrong, promptly admitted it.”

Step 10 is about maintaining the progress we’ve made and ensuring we stay on track through the drug and alcohol recovery journey. It asks us to “continue to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.” This step is simple in theory but powerful in practice. It helps us stay mindful of our actions and keeps us accountable daily, even after we’ve made significant progress.

At its core, Step 10 is about self-reflection. It’s an ongoing process of looking at our behaviours, thoughts, and interactions each day. When we take personal inventory, we ask ourselves: “Am I living according to the principles I’ve learned? Am I staying true to my recovery?”

It’s a way to regularly check in with ourselves. If we find we’ve made mistakes, we own up to them quickly. By doing this, we can prevent small issues from growing into bigger problems. Admitting when we’re wrong and taking responsibility allows us to correct our path and stay grounded in our recovery.

Importance of self-reflection in drug and alcohol recovery

Recovery isn’t just about getting clean or sober—it’s about maintaining it. Step 10 helps keep us from slipping into old habits or thought patterns. It encourages honesty and self-awareness, helping us identify when we’re not living up to the values that guide our drug and alcohol recovery.

By regularly practising Step 10, we learn to let go of guilt and resentment. It’s not about being perfect, but about recognizing when we fall short and making the necessary adjustments. This approach keeps us moving forward, rather than getting stuck in regret or denial.

Practising self-reflection in drug and alcohol recovery

Practising Step 10 doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to incorporate Step 10 into your daily routine:

  1. Reflect on Your Day: Take a moment to think about your actions and interactions. Were there any situations where you acted in ways you’re not proud of?
  2. Acknowledge Mistakes: If you notice you’ve made a mistake or hurt someone, don’t ignore it. Admitting it to yourself is the first step.
  3. Make Amends Quickly: If your actions have affected someone else, take steps to make it right. This might mean offering an apology or correcting the mistake if possible.
  4. Let Go of Perfection: Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Mistakes are part of life, and Step 10 helps us deal with them in a healthy way.
  5. Build the Habit: Make this daily self-check a habit. The more we practise Step 10, the more natural it becomes to recognize our behaviours and adjust our course when needed.

Step 10 is all about staying mindful, accountable, and honest with ourselves. It reminds us that recovery is a continuous process, one that requires regular self-checks and adjustments. By practising Step 10, we can keep our recovery on track, living more authentically and growing from our experiences.

Are you battling with your drug and/or alcohol recovery? Ocean Bay is uniquely equipped to provide help by utilising nature to aid in your journey. We help you find yourself again, and find happiness and fun while being sober. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out today!

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