Drop The Rock, Removing Character Defects, is a book popular in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. It serves as a guidebook for helping those in recovery let go of character traits that no longer serve them and embrace a joyful, life-changing recovery.
Drop The Rock (published by Hazelden Publishing) was written by an AA father, leader, and legend, Bill P. It’s designed to help those in recovery let go of old habits, character defects, and negative emotions like self-pity and unnecessary resentments, empowering personal growth while pursuing sobriety.
Negative emotions and defects of character (defined in AA materials as arrogance, dishonesty, envy, gluttony, greed, impatience, intolerance, jealousy, lust, pride, self-centredness, selfishness, self-pity, and sloth) are the rocks one carries through life, holding us back from our highest purpose and our greatest potential.[1] They can also make sobriety and recovery significantly more difficult.
Sandy B. is responsible for the concept of Drop the Rock and the ripple effect that it has had on the movement. She gave a TED Talk back in 1976 at the national AA convention. Sandy’s talk was brief and comedic, telling the tale of the weight of holding on to harmful habits, thoughts, and perspectives.
She compares these ideas to rocks we carry and suggests that letting go of them relieves the unnecessary burdens we carry. It’s a life-changing decision that simplifies recovery and empowers healthy decision-making. Sandy shared three steps for recovery, which, while simple, are not necessarily easy:
This book is proof of the lasting impact of Sandy’s TED Talk on the AA community, future education, and subsequent recovery materials. More than 40 years later, it’s still part of everyday discussion.
The book focuses on steps 6 and 7 of the traditional 12 steps and the impact they have on personal and spiritual growth. Step 6 states, “We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” [3] Personal weaknesses and negative traits are often tied to destructive patterns of behavior, addiction, and substance abuse.
Surrendering character defects like pride, jealousy, greed, selfishness, dishonesty, self-pity, and others is key to a positive and successful recovery process because the real goal is personal transformation, not only sobriety. Unburdened by these patterns that hold you back, you gain a new perspective on life, which has a ripple effect in every other aspect of your existence.
Step 7 states, “Humbly ask Him (God, Creator, Higher Power, etc.) to remove our shortcomings.” [4] This step helps you see that willpower simply isn’t enough to push through life-altering challenges like addiction. Leaning on God or something bigger than yourself can empower you with the strength and self-awareness needed to stay the course and activate healing.
Recovery is, by default, a humbling experience. Seeking help and guidance from God and others, and relying on wisdom and teachings outside of yourself, can produce meaningful spiritual growth. The concepts in Drop the Rock show that this process of surrender and seeking wisdom is a lifelong, continuous process that will serve you and your recovery well.
We feel the burdens we carry on the inside in a very real way every day. Pride or jealousy can feel like anger or envy. Impatience and self-centeredness may feel like anxiety or fear. Our emotions are deeply tied to our recovery, and so is our ability to manage them.
Studies show that a lack of emotional regulation can activate old triggers and increase the risk of relapse.[5] But if you let go of these regrets and burdens, you can overcome those mental and emotional hurdles. You can see yourself and your circumstances more clearly and stop ruminating on regrets or negative emotions.
Drop The Rock teaches those in recovery to say goodbye to the old version of themselves that no longer serves their goals and their future. To welcome and promote the better, healthier, newer version of yourself every day. To choose to leave behind self-damaging patterns and pursue healthy, positive habits.
Recovery isn’t just about “getting sober” or “quitting drugs.” It’s about rediscovering who you are and who you want to be and bringing that to life. It’s about taking a deep look at your life and cultivating positive traits. It’s about being a better human and creating opportunities for yourself to grow.
Letting go of harmful patterns and defects of character isn’t easy. You need support, practical guidance, and meaningful relationships to help you stay the course, stay accountable, and stay sober. Find an addiction recovery treatment center near you or join a local twelve-step program and begin a new way of life.
Our compassionate counselors are standing by to answer any questions you may have. After helping thousands of people over the last 50 years, we have the resources to help you and your family and all your individual needs.
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