There is a “California 4th Step” that is still making its way around. It claims to be put together by “anonymous members of Alcoholics Anonymous.” This implies that it is an A.A.-based and sanctioned worksheet. They do not offer this hefty questionnaire as a generic, recovery method.
This “inventory” appears to be a non-professional therapy method—page after page of in-depth questions that no sponsor with integrity should even consider offering to anyone, especially a beginner.
AAs are encouraged to cooperates with professionals—we must NOT pretend to be therapists. If a newcomer needs psychological therapy, we must recommend that they seek OUTSIDE help. A professional would NOT toss this huge compilation of over 300 questions to a client and instruct them to be thorough in answering every question—and then to call them when they’ve finished. Delving into these things could be very risky for anyone with mental health issues—and this is very common issue for attendees in 12-step meetings.
These issues should be dealt with in a safe environment with someone who is trained to slowly lead someone through fearful issues. Therapists also agree that some issues do not need to be dissected, but rather, they guide clients into learning new “tools” to deal with life TODAY.
These writers recommend this inventory to help rid ourselves of our compulsive behaviors. That is a rehab therapy perspective, not an A.A. one. These sort of requirements may appear as “cultist” and help give A.A. a bad reputation.This formidable and troubling personal inventory even suggests that if you do not want to answer ALL the questions, then you have a ‘closed mind’ and are not ‘truly humble.’
- It insists that the ‘sponsee’ must dig around in their childhood memories and analyze any problems with parents or family. There are 29 in-depth questions for you to write about. Every tiny detail of any little resentment you ever had is not too irrelevant for your 1- or 2-year sober therapist —oops, sponsor —to poke through intimate thoughts and experiences. These are NONE OF A SPONSOR’S BUSINESS.
- It insists that the ‘sponsee’ must dig around in memories of adolescent years. There are 24 in-depth questions for probing into the psyche. They are told to go ahead and analyze any painful, embarrassing, humiliating, traumatic memories and events. “List in detail any homosexual experience, masturbation fantasy, or other sexual activity that you remember…” List any incidences in school that were a continuing source of shame. …Give details about losing their virginity. Describe all their feelings about every little thing, personality quirks, social inadequacies, etc. Oh and above all, don’t leave out any juicy details about your sexual thoughts, experiences, or ‘deviant’ behaviors. There is even a question about the kind of clothes you wore!
- Adulthood: This portion requires you to answer 94 main questions, with some sub-questions. You must give details about relationships, sexual encounters, and fantasies. Analyze everything you did, didn’t do, your personality, your spouse’s personality, sexual frustrations, inferiority/superiority complexes, etc. Describe and analyze everything about your various jobs, bosses, and coworkers.
- Finally they get to a brief “Here and Now” inventory. Here, you write down details of your finances and any dirty, illegal dealings you’ve had. …Religious beliefs, inadequacies, ambitions, emotional insecurities, etc.
After you have thoroughly answered every question, you must make an appointment with someone (it seems to be assumed that this would be your sponsor) and then “keep that appointment and verbally discuss every portion of your inventory.”
The pioneers of this life-saving program NEVER required this sort of inventory. We are NOT expected to dwell on past events if there is nothing to be learned. We are to look at “the nature” of our liabilities (problem behaviors, resentments, selfishness, and fears)–so we can learn and practice new tools for new and healthier behaviors (assets: forgiveness, unselfishness, ‘purity,’ and love).
Our “commercial inventory” is our “here and now inventory,” —a quick check of our LIABILITIES and ASSETS. This is done before the “columns” inventory. All instructions are in the textbook (thru pg. 164), specifically in “How it Works,” and “Into Action.” Find an A.A. guide who will take you through all the steps ASAP, by-the-book.
Keep in mind, the 12-step pioneers did not expect you to talk only with someone in A.A. They offered suggestions for “outside” listeners.
