Step 5 AA & NA is where courage meets healing. After bravely facing your past in Step 4 AA, this step asks you to share your inventory with someone you trust. It’s not about judgment—it’s about releasing shame and realizing you’re not alone. By speaking your truth, you lighten the weight of secrecy and start to rebuild trust in yourself and others.
What Is Step 5 in AA and NA?
Step 5 AA states: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” 1
Step 5 NA states: “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” 2
This means sharing your Step 4 inventory—your resentments, fears, and mistakes—out loud. It’s a chance to:
- Let go of guilt – Speaking your truth breaks addiction’s cycle of isolation.
- Gain clarity – Hearing yourself say it helps you see patterns clearly.
- Start healing – You’ll feel lighter, like setting down a heavy backpack you’ve carried for years.
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The Importance of NA and AA Step 5 Explained
NA And AA Step 5 Examples Of Common Struggles
Step 5 AA & NA asks you to share deeply personal truths—a process that can bring up fear, shame, or doubt. Here’s how to navigate these feelings:
- “What if they judge me?” → Choose someone who’s been through Step 5 themselves (like a sponsor). They understand this isn’t about blame—it’s about healing.
- “I’m too ashamed of my past.” → Separate your actions from your worth. Mistakes don’t define you; courage to admit them does.
- “Will this even help?” → Start small. Share one part of your inventory first. Relief often follows the hardest truths.
These fears are normal, but remember—Step 5 is NOT about punishment. The person you share with (often a sponsor, mentor, or trusted individual in recovery) is there to listen with compassion, not to judge.
How to Work Through Step 5 AA And NA
Completing Step 5 often brings a deep sense of relief and lightness, helping you move forward with a clearer mind and a lighter heart. Here are some simple steps you can take to help:
- Choose wisely: Share with a sponsor, therapist, or recovery mentor—someone who “gets it.”
- Prepare: Review your Step 4 inventory beforehand. Highlight what feels hardest to say.
- Breathe: It’s okay to pause, cry, or take breaks. This is your journey.
- Listen: The person you share with might offer insights that change how you see your past.
Quick Tip: Begin with One Brave Step
If the full inventory feels overwhelming, start by sharing just one fear or resentment—sometimes, naming that first truth cracks the door open for the rest. Healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about the courage to begin.
Step 5 in AA vs. Step 5 in NA
While Step 5 is pretty much the same in both programs, there are just slight differences:
- Step 5 AA: Often ties Step 5 to spiritual growth, encouraging confession to a higher power.
- Step 5 NA: Focuses on personal accountability, emphasizing honesty as a path to self-forgiveness.
The Bottom Line
What Comes After Step 5?
Step 5’s honesty sets the stage for Step 6, where you move from reflection to action. Here’s how they connect:
- Step 5 AA & NA: You release the weight of secrecy by sharing your inventory.
- Step 6 AA & NA: You decide you’re ready to leave behind the behaviors that no longer serve you.
Think of it like this:
- Step 5 AA & NA is like cleaning out a cluttered closet—you’ve sorted through what’s inside.
- Step 6 AA & NA is deciding what to donate, what to keep, and making space for something new.
This transition isn’t about overnight change. It’s about building willingness—to trust the process, to forgive yourself, and to believe that growth is possible. At Cornerstone Healing Center, we support this shift with the 12 steps and traditions, 1-on-1 therapy, group sessions, and mindfulness practices that help you turn self-awareness into lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the purpose of Step 5?
Step 5 helps you release guilt and shame by admitting your past mistakes to someone you trust. Sharing your Step 4 inventory out loud breaks the isolation of addiction, builds accountability, and opens the door to self-forgiveness. It’s not about punishment—it’s about freeing yourself from secrets so you can heal fully.
Who should I share my Step 5 with?
Choose someone experienced in recovery, like a sponsor, therapist, or mentor, who understands the 12 Steps and won’t judge you. This person should offer empathy, not criticism, and remind you that honesty is the foundation of growth. Avoid sharing with someone who might react with anger or blame.
What if I’m afraid of being judged?
Fear is normal, but Step 5 is designed to minimize the feeling of shame, not amplify it. The right listener (like a sponsor) has likely faced similar fears and will focus on your courage, not your flaws. Their role is to help you see strength in vulnerability, not to condemn.
What if I forget parts of my inventory?
Step 5 isn’t about perfection—it’s about willingness. If you forget something, you can revisit it later. What matters is starting the process. Recovery is a journey, and you’ll have chances to refine your honesty as you grow.
What comes after Step 5?
Step 6 follows: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” After releasing your past in Step 5, Step 6 prepares you to let go of harmful patterns and embrace change. Think of it as shedding old habits to make room for new growth.
From Secrets to Strength: Keep Moving Forward
Step 5 and Step 6 are transformative, but they don’t have to feel overwhelming. At Cornerstone, we blend the 12-step philosophy with evidence-based therapies like CBT and trauma counseling to help you heal fully. Whether you need help finding a sponsor, processing emotions, or rebuilding self-trust, our team—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will walk with you.
Your past doesn’t define you. Let’s build a future that does.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Step 5 is about admitting past wrongs out loud to another person.
- It helps release guilt, shame, and secrecy, making space for healing.
- Choosing a trusted person to share with is important for a positive experience.
- This step sets the stage for growth and transformation in Step 6.
