Why a a 9th step, and more

Cleaning up the past is important but even more important is making sure we are not making more mess to clean up today.

Big Book Step 10: "We vigorously commenced this way of living as we cleaned up the past".

Don't wait to do Step 10 until 9 is finished. It can take years for fully clean up the past and finish step 9. As long as we are willing and not shying away from putting things right, step 10 is essential to our well being. When you understand step 10 (a day of study will do it), step 11 and 12 should commence immediately. Step 12 will provide tremendous relief. Nothing ensures our sobriety more than intense work with another alcoholic.

-Taken from a post on soberrecovery.com