Recovery from addiction is a long and winding road, but having the right tools can make it much more manageable. One of those tools is a moral inventory—a tool used in the 12-step approach to addiction recovery. But what exactly is a moral inventory? What are some examples of moral inventory exercises? Call 1.844.768.0169 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable and experienced team at The Right Step Houston about moral inventory examples and how this tool is used in our addiction treatment programs in Texas.
What to Know About Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery is an ongoing process that requires hard work, dedication, and support. It’s difficult to overcome an addiction, and there will be many difficult times. But with perseverance and commitment, you can get through it and lead a fulfilling life free from addiction.
Doing a moral inventory helps people reflect on their actions and behaviors to understand themselves better and start making changes for the better. By doing this work, people can gain insight into who they are and how their behavior has impacted others—which can ultimately help them on their journey toward sobriety.
What Is Moral Inventory?
Moral inventory is essentially an exercise where you take an honest look at yourself to identify areas of improvement or wrongdoing that need to be addressed. It’s important to remember that a moral inventory isn’t just about identifying negative aspects of yourself. It’s also about recognizing positive elements. This type of self-reflection aims to gain a greater understanding of yourself and your relationships with others so that you can start making healthier decisions in the future.
How Is a Moral Inventory Connected to the 12-Step Approach to Addiction Recovery?
The 12-step approach to addiction recovery was developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has been helping people recover from alcoholism since 1935. This approach focuses on taking personal responsibility for one’s actions and behaviors by engaging in activities such as attending meetings, connecting with sponsors or mentors, reading inspirational literature, participating in service activities, and meditating or praying regularly—all of which contribute towards increased self-awareness and personal growth during the recovery process.
Doing a moral inventory plays a vital role in this process because it helps us gain clarity around our values, goals, motivations, and more—which can then be used as guideposts for healthier decision making going forward.
Moral Inventory Examples
Even with the definition of moral inventory known to you, starting this exercise without specific guidance may be challenging. Here are a few examples of topics to keep in mind as you begin your moral inventory:
- Evaluating your values – Take some time to think about your core values—the ideals or beliefs that are most important to you—and how these values shape your decisions daily.
- Identifying your goals – Ask yourself: What kind of person do you want to become, and what goals do you want to achieve during your lifetime?
- Examining your relationships – Reflect upon all your relationships—including family members, friends, romantic partners, and colleagues—and consider how these relationships impact your day-to-day life positively and negatively.
- Thinking about your behaviors – Consider how some past behaviors may have contributed to your current situation)
- Practicing gratitude and forgiveness – Acknowledge all the things you have been grateful for while also practicing forgiveness towards yourself and others who may have wronged you in some way or another during your lifetime up until now.
However, this exercise is best done with the guidance of addiction treatment specialists or a least with a structured peer support group like AA or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). At The Right Step Houston, our knowledgeable and experienced team can help you get started on moral inventory and provide additional insight into how this exercise can benefit your recovery.
Find Out More About Moral Inventory Examples in Texas at The Right Step Houston
Doing a moral inventory plays an integral part in the 12-step approach to treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Contact The Right Step Houston today at 1.844.768.0169 to learn more about moral inventory examples and our addiction treatment programs in Texas.