The Ego, Addiction & Step Six: Why Willingness Is the Hardest and Part of Recovery

What if the real battle in addiction recovery isn't giving up the substance — it's giving up the self that needed it? In this episode, we go deep on the ego: what it actually is, how it fuels addiction, and why Step Six of the Twelve Steps may be the most quietly radical thing a person can be asked to do.We explore how our deepest character defects — pride, dishonesty, anger, people-pleasing — aren't just flaws. They're survival strategies. And Step Six asks us to become willing to release them.Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the psychology of change, this episode offers an honest, compassionate look at what it really means to let go.Topics covered: the ego and addiction, character defects in the 12 steps, what "entirely ready" really means, ego death and spiritual transformation, how Step Six changes relationships and behavior.KEYWORD TAGSaddiction recovery step six twelve steps ego and addiction character defects recovery podcast sobriety spiritual recovery 12 step program self-awareness recovery journey mental health higher power ego death willingness