Welcome to the latest instalment of the Cracking Addiction newsletter. In this episode, I dive deep into Step 10 of the twelve-step journey with Dr. Laura Petracek. We explore the ongoing process of personal inventory and prompt amends, shedding light on the critical role of self-reflection in addiction recovery.

Why Listen:

If you're looking to gain insights into maintaining sobriety and personal growth in addiction recovery, this episode is not to be missed. Step 10, addressed alongside Dr. Laura Petracek, delves into the ongoing commitment to self-reflection and the importance of making amends. It also offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to improve their personal growth journey.

Key Points You Will Learn:

1. The 10th step involves an ongoing self-reflection process where individuals take inventory of their daily behaviours and promptly make amends when necessary.

2. Step 10 is not a formalised process like the previous steps. It represents a summary of the earlier steps, requiring individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions.

3. Dr. Laura Petracek sheds light on the challenges individuals face in staying on their side of the street and not resorting to the blame game when making amends.

4. The episode discusses how relapse is not an inevitable part of the recovery journey and explores the significance of mindset in preventing a potential relapse.

5. We delve into the analogy of recovery being akin to cycling uphill, emphasising the need for ongoing effort and growth to prevent stagnation or relapse.

Interesting Fact:

The episode highlights the concept that relapse is a process, not just a single event. Dr. Laura Petracek explains that the cognitive distortions and behaviours leading up to the actual act of picking up a drink or a drug are equally crucial and warrant attention.

Learning Outcomes and Actionable Takeaways:

1. Develop an understanding of the ongoing self-reflection process involved in Step 10 and recognize the importance of making amends promptly.

2. Gain insights into the challenges individuals face in maintaining personal accountability and learn strategies to overcome the tendency to indulge in the blame game.

3. Understand the nuanced view of relapse as a process and explore the proactive efforts that can help prevent a potential relapse.

4. Embrace the analogy of recovery being akin to cycling uphill, fostering a mindset of continuous effort and growth to sustain sobriety and personal development.

5. Gain valuable insights from Dr. Laura Petracek's personal journey and expertise, reinforcing the idea of recovery as an ongoing and transformative process.

As Dr. Laura Petracek aptly puts it, "I feel we could concentrate or bring that message. Like, that's not an option anymore. I feel there's so much permission, and that's okay. You could go out 50 million times, and I think that could be changed."