What does Step 4 of the twelve-step program emphasize?

Step 4 of the twelve-step program emphasizes conducting a searching and fearless moral inventory. This step is crucial for self-reflection, as it encourages individuals to examine their thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors honestly and thoroughly. This process involves identifying personal flaws, behaviors, and past wrongs that may have contributed to their substance use or problematic behaviors.

By engaging in this thorough self-examination, individuals can gain greater self-awareness and insight into their lives. This understanding is essential for personal growth and sets the foundation for the subsequent steps, where they can begin to address and reconcile these issues. Thus, a searching and fearless moral inventory is not just an evaluation but a vital step toward healing and recovery.