Step 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous: Humbly Ask God To Remove Shortcomings
Completing the first 6 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can represent a tipping point for many who are involved in the process. With Step 7, people shift from taking personal inventory and responsibility for their struggles with alcohol to actively amending their behaviors and the wrongs they have caused others in their pursuit of alcohol. This page will help you learn more about Step 7 of AA, including what this Step entails, how to complete Step 7 of AA, and how to seek support near you if you are struggling.
What Is Step 7 in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
What is Step 7 of AA? Step 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous involves humbly asking a higher power to remove our character defects. The official text reads: “Humbly asked Him (God, inspiration, etc.) to remove our shortcomings.”
Humility is at the heart of this step. Step 7 encourages ongoing self-reflection so that individuals can acknowledge their flaws and seek spiritual guidance for personal growth. For people in recovery from alcohol addiction, this step can be a turning point, helping them make meaningful changes in their attitudes and behaviors as they continue their journey toward lasting sobriety.
Humility & Step 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous
Humility plays an important role in how a person approaches Step 7 of AA. Whether you’re asking for help from God or drawing on a more secular source of inspiration, Step 7 requires you to acknowledge that you can’t overcome alcohol addiction through willpower alone.
This admission of powerlessness is an act of humility and an essential step toward healing. Learning to be humble, however, isn’t always easy. Society often teaches us to take pride in our accomplishments and actions, which can be positive in many contexts. But when pride is tied to behaviors driven by addiction, especially those that hurt others, it can become harmful. Step 7 encourages individuals to let go of self-centered thinking and embrace a more honest, humble perspective as they continue to grow in recovery.
How to Complete Step 7 of AA
If you have completed the first 6 Steps of AA, you should be proud of your accomplishments thus far. As you continue your recovery journey, these tips can help you complete the 7th Step of AA.
1. Practicing Mindfulness & Step 7 of AA
Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine through practices like journaling, meditation, prayer, or simply spending time in quiet reflection. These activities can help you become more aware of your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts, giving you the clarity needed to recognize your shortcomings without judgment.
Try setting aside a few minutes each day to sit in silence or reflect on your actions and intentions. Focus on being present in the moment and open to change. This awareness supports the humility and spiritual openness that Step 7 of AA requires.
2. Ask for Help with Step 7 of AA
Humility includes recognizing when you can’t do everything on your own. Reach out to your sponsor, a trusted friend in recovery, or a mental health professional for support as you work through Step 7 of AA. Talk openly about the character defects you hope to change and ask for feedback on how those behaviors may still show up in your life.
Asking for help is a strength and an important part of the recovery process. Having regular conversations with someone who understands your journey can provide accountability and encouragement as you grow.
Common Challenges With Step 7 of AA
While Step 7 of AA may seem simple, it often brings emotional and spiritual challenges. One common roadblock is struggling with the idea of a higher power. This can be uncomfortable if you’re not religious, and is one reason some people look for alternatives to AA. But your higher power can be anything that represents guidance, strength, or support. This could be things like nature, love, or the recovery community.
Another challenge is letting go of control. Step 7 of AA asks you to surrender the belief that you can overcome addiction by willpower alone. This can feel vulnerable, especially if you’re used to being self-reliant. Start small by asking for help or practicing acceptance in daily situations. Shame and self-judgment can also get in the way. If you’re stuck in guilt over past actions, it may be hard to believe you deserve change. But Step 7 is about willingness, not perfection. Remind yourself that growth is possible and that you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to a sponsor or trusted peer for support.
Facing these challenges with honesty and openness is itself an act of humility and a powerful part of recovery.
Finding Help for Alcohol Addiction
Help for alcohol addiction is out there, but asking for it can be the hardest step. If you’ve made the decision to stop drinking, you’ve already taken a courageous first step toward recovery. Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous can provide powerful peer support. But if you or a loved one needs medical detox or a more structured approach, professional treatment (such as inpatient addiction programs or outpatient options like IOP rehab or PHP rehab) may be the next best step. Rehab programs can complement your 12-step journey by addressing the behavioral, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction.
If you are ready to find treatment options for yourself or a loved one, get started right now with our free rehab locator tool. Find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and more.