Step Ten of Alcoholics Anonymous
Presto Inventories - Preventing Emotional and Mental Toxicity
Mar 28, 2009
A pertinent foundational groundwork for continued recovery is the ability to recognize internal toxicity, whether it be emotional, mental or both. Continued personal inventory is the means by which to bring matters that could eventually lead to a lapse or relapse to the surface. Personal inventory does not stop with the first nine steps. It is an ongoing process/routine.
The Quick Check
AA calls it the "spot check" - simple as that. Several times throughout the day and evening a quick internal check-in is all that is needed to locate any negativity that might have developed. Perhaps, the boss was in a bad mood at the office and said some ugly remarks. What was the emotional/mental result? If the instant reaction was to want a drink - here's a development that a "spot check" will help to recognize as a potential drinking motive that can be easily circumvented by calling a sponsor, or attending an AA meeting during lunch time.
Without that quick check, if several other stressful instances during the course of the day occur and are not addressed, a perfect negativity foundation has been set.
In the beginning, setting aside and making a self-appointment will be necessary until it becomes a habit. Over time, one will be able to recognize toxicity, because the sensation will become familiar. Just allow yourself five to ten minutes.
Maintaining Internal Balance for Sobriety
Searching for "stinking thinking" and negative emotions are important aspects of the AA 12 step program. Sounds like a drag, and in the beginning it is for anyone looking for or used to instant gratification. However, the recovering person cannot afford to ruminate over anger and hurts which can lead to an excuse to head for a drink only to downslide into a complete relapse.
Mental and Emotional Toxicity
Ruminating over hurts, whether imagined or real can lead to resentments. Resentments are at the top of the list for excuses to return to drinking, or, if substances are the problem, a return to taking pills or some other chemical fix. The same is relevant for negative thoughts or impressions. Wondering what somebody meant by that remark and thinking the worst and then obsessing about it only leads to laying a foundation for additional negative thoughts, as previously mentioned.
Like learning to play an instrument, what feels odd and strange in the beginning, becomes familiar and second nature over time with practice. This is how taking quick inventories through out the day can head off some possible reasons to return to drinking or drugging or both.
A Moment for Serenity
Welcome this quick check as a serene gift to self, especially if agitation is the product of whatever the circumstance was/is. Repeating the Serenity Prayer or reading an inspirational passage may be in order to help calm the nerves.
Avoiding Rash Reactions
Identifying what one's internal mental and emotional barometer reads, helps to prevent reactionary behavior, which, if ignored, could lead to further complications. Again, for those new to recovery, all the steps, slogans and AA methods will seem overwhelming. That's why there are sponsors and AA members only too willing to help in the process. Over time, recovery will become second nature.
Recovery, "one day at a time", is a process that does not end and holds benefits drinking and drugging only promise, but never deliver. Keep coming back!
Other Articles in This Series:
Source
Bill W. (Bill Wilson), Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Alcoholics World Services Inc.,Box 459 Grand Central Station, NY, NY 10163., pgs. 88-95.
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