Anthony A. on Step 5, the Isolation Page, and Ego Deflation

About This Speaker Tape

Step 5 - 2021

Anthony A. dismantles the fear and ego surrounding Step Five framing it as the antidote to the 'terrified loneliness' and isolation that plagues the alcoholic. He warns against the 'easier softer way'—the tendency to offer vague admissions of being 'bad actors' rather than facing the exact nature of one's wrongs. Drawing from the 12 and 12 and the Big Book he argues that skipping this step is a 'perilous resolve' that often leads back to the bottle. Anthony shares his own recent experience of doing a Fifth Step to uncover lingering ego and fear admitting that even after 25 years of sobriety he still finds 'steel curtains' in his way. He emphasizes that the goal isn't just sobriety but a relationship with a Higher Power and that the 'delight' promised in the step comes only when nothing is withheld.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Anthony discusses the difference between self-flagellation and the actual Fifth Step.
• 3:15 Laughter: Discussion on the 'easier, softer way' and being 'bad actors'.
• 5:20 Warning about 'AA old-timers' who skimp on Step Five and pay dearly for it.
• 7:40 Analysis of the 'isolation page' and the beginning of true kinship with man and a Higher Power.
• 10:15 Anthony admits to treating his wife poorly when he doesn't feel good himself.
• 14:30 Discussion on the 'dry people' in the rooms and the danger of just staying dry without working the steps.
• 18:10 The 'delighted' promise: the emotional release of withholding nothing.
• 22:45 The 'building an arch' metaphor: checking if the foundation is solid or if the cement was skimped.
• 26:10 Anthony shares his recent experience of doing a Fifth Step with a friend.