Honesty: An Essential Element of Sobriety

Blog post by: Alumni Relations

Honesty is first discovered in step one. Before we could admit we were powerless, we had to get honest with ourselves. In steps four and five, we had to get honest with another person, and in steps eight and nine we had to honestly apply the principles we were learning in this program. Steps 10, 11, and 12, state that we continue to take personal inventory, ask for direction, and help another struggling alcoholic/addict. How can we practice these principles in all our affairs if we do not maintain rigorous honesty? If we are not practicing these principles, can we stay sober? Although we will never be anything close to perfect, it is important that we continue to look at our sobriety, our actions, ourselves, and ask God for direction before planning our day. Staying in alignment with His will might give us another day.