I lived a cave man philosophy of recovery my first year, go to a meeting, share my problem, and go home a lock the door. I still was unhappy though. Then I ran across a cd and heard the truth about AA. I got into doing to work out of the book, and I have been completely free from the obsession since then. 4th step in an inventory, just that. The book says it is the truth about stock and trade. It's not a lifelong story of everything bad you've done. There are 3 inventories and 1 list of others you have harmed. I can tell you that it is not scary and actually has proved to be quite fun! There are some great Cd's too you can find on primary purpose websites, Chris Raymer is a friend of mine, and Cliff Bishop is my sponsor. Both of them have cd's you can listen to for free! IT will be a life changing experience, I promise you that!