In the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous you may hear someone use the phrase, “taking an inventory” in relationship to doing step work or “working the program”. Taking an inventory is a tool in the recovery journey, specifically outlined in the fourth and tenth steps of the AA program. It’s a process where individuals take a close look at themselves, their actions, and their relationships in order to gain insight and grow in their recovery.
Imagine your life is like a house filled with different rooms, each representing different aspects of yourself and your experiences. Taking an inventory is like going through each room with a flashlight, carefully examining what’s inside.
Often recovering alcoholics will make use of written inventories and reflections as they work through each of the twelve steps and twelve traditions of AA.
Here’s how it works:
- Reflection: The first part of taking an inventory involves reflection. It’s about looking back on your life and honestly assessing your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. This might involve examining past mistakes, resentments, fears, or patterns of behavior that have contributed to your struggles with alcohol or other challenges.
- Writing it Down: Writing is a crucial part of the inventory process. It’s not just about thinking things through in your head; it’s about putting your thoughts and feelings on paper. This can help bring clarity and organization to your reflections, making it easier to identify patterns and areas for growth.
- Identifying Patterns: As you write, you may start to notice certain patterns or themes emerging. Maybe you realize you often turn to alcohol to cope with stress, or perhaps you notice a pattern of avoiding difficult emotions. Identifying these patterns is an important step toward understanding the underlying issues driving your behavior.
- Making Changes: In addition to looking at your own actions, taking an inventory also involves considering how your behavior may have affected others. This can be a difficult but important part of the process. It’s about taking responsibility for your actions and making amends and changes in your own behaviors where necessary.
- Continual Process: Taking an inventory isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and growth. The tenth step of AA encourages individuals to continue taking regular inventories, staying vigilant against old patterns and behaviors that could lead to relapse.
In essence, taking an inventory is about self-awareness, honesty, and accountability. It’s a tool that empowers individuals to understand themselves better, make positive changes, and ultimately, live healthier, more fulfilling lives in recovery.