STEP FIVE
ADMITTED TO OURSELVES AND TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING THE EXACT NATURE OF OUR WRONGS.
Step Five is ego deflating and necessary.
1. We must talk about our defects to remove our guilt.
2. We must see what we were to see what we can become.
Discuss:
A. Habit of lying and hiding from problems. What was the outcome?
B. Is identifying our defects (problems) 90% of the solution?
C. Evidence of our immaturity—past and present.
Many feel it is not necessary to share humiliating experiences.
1. We are prone to carry burdens alone.
2. Dramatic descriptions of our gambling behavior are only offered.
Discuss:
A. Has honesty with self and others improved since coming to GA? Explain.
B. Has our therapy changed direction? Tone?
C. How long can we carry resentments and angers?
Humility is born in Step Five. Our burden is lightened by admitting our defects to another human being.
1. We become forgiving by seeking forgiveness.
2. Many members feel closer to their Higher Power and man after working Step Five.
Discuss:
A. How peace of mind is achieved by removing guilt and/or ending a lie.
B. Describe the feeling of admitting to other GA members, at our first meeting, that we have a gambling problem.
C. To whom should we seek to make our admissions? Sponsor? Friend? Spouse? Others?
"Big Shotism" often hides our true motives or painful experiences.
Discuss:
A. What types of persons do we tend to respect?
B. What types of persons do we tend to avoid?
C. Who do we trust?
D. Disasters caused by wanting too much or living beyond our means.