While working the 12-steps, individuals are encouraged to take inventoryStep 4 recommends the addict conduct “a searching and fearless moral inventory.” This involves coming to terms with the flaws which preceded addiction and those that came as a result of it. More of their character defects and ask their Higher Power12-step programs greatly stress surrender to and daily communication with a Higher Power. Having trust in something greater than yourself is considered essential for returning sanity in the unmanageable life of an addict. This can be a traditional deity, a spiritual entity or a social one such as th... More to remove them. These problematic personality aspects are often associated with unhealthy behavior and hurting others. Defects are not usually caused by the addiction but may have played a major part in its development.