Rigorous honesty is the gateway to recovery in SA. At first, I thought that admitting the full extent of my problem and sharing my real history were impossible. What would others think? During Step Five, I confessed a long-held secret to my sponsor. I had expected an overly dramatic moment, but he didn’t overreact, and I also didn’t feel an overwhelming sense of relief. Instead, I felt the simple peace that comes from straightforward, honest disclosure. Through consistently practicing rigorous honesty, I finally found lasting sobriety and peace.

In this edition, members reflect on what rigorous honesty means in this Program of recovery, from the deep sense of camaraderie that honesty facilitates to how honesty is necessary for true amends. One member writes about how sitting down to write an honest letter to God was a turning point. Another member reflects how honesty during Step One was the first time he recognized events as they really happened, and not as he imagined. Throughout the issue, we’ll see how SA members are “developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty” (AA 58).

In Fellowship,