“Drop the Rock” is a metaphor for letting go of what is keeping you from making progress and achieving your goals. It is very popular in addiction recovery as it encourages people to release many things that can be preventing them from personal growth and sobriety.
The phrase originates from a story from the book “Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects”.[1] It’s about a group of Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step members who set sail on a ship. During the story, one of the members can’t swim freely because she has a rock around her neck. Only when she releases the rock can she swim. This illustrates the need to let go of what is weighing you down if you want to make progress.
“Drop the Rock” in AA is a metaphor for letting go of the things that weigh you down and hinder your recovery. If you don’t “drop the rock”, you won’t be able to make the progress you need to live a sober, healthy life.
What is the Story Behind Drop the Rock?
The story behind the phrase “Drop the Rock” originates from the book “Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects”. It tells the story of a group of Alcoholics Anonymous members who are taking part in the twelve-step program. They set sail on a ship named “Recovery”, as they explore the “Sea of Life” toward the “Island of Serenity”. [2]
In the story, the people on board realize that some of their friends are missing. One of the characters, Mary, rushes to the dock to board the boat. When she realizes the boat has already left, she dives into the water and starts swimming. But she keeps slowing down, unable to reach them.
She struggles to stay afloat. When her friends notice a heavy rock hanging from strings around her neck, they immediately know why she’s having trouble. As they tell Mary to “drop the rock”, she looks down at it and knows she needs to let go of it so she doesn’t drown. When Mary looks at the rock, she also realizes it symbolizes all of the fear and anger that have been weighing her down in her life.
Mary rips off the string and lets it sink. With the dead weight gone, Mary can swim to the boat and meet her friends. She is immediately surrounded by those who are on the same journey she is. Mary can continue with them now that she has “dropped the rock” of all that was holding her back.
How Does it Help in Addiction Recovery?
Dropping the rock helps during recovery because it leads people to realize that if they want to eliminate addictive behavior from their lives, they need to let go of certain things. Fear, resentment, self-pity, anger, and other character defects can all hold people back from living a sober life and can all trigger addictive behaviors. By letting go of these things, people can give themselves a better chance of living a healthy and productive life.
When people learn to drop the rock, they can also have the personal growth they need to heal emotionally and learn who they are without harmful substances. Letting go of the character defects also helps to improve relationships that addiction may have hurt.
Dropping the rock can also help with spiritual growth. During AA recovery programs, members are encouraged to seek a higher power. For some, this means God; for others, it simply means acknowledging that there is someone or something greater than yourself that will help during recovery.
Key Concepts of Drop the Rock: AA Steps 6 & 7
“Drop the rock” is meant to specifically illustrate steps six and seven of AA’s 12-step program. [3]
AA 6th Step
AA Step 6 states: “We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
When you reach the point in your recovery where you ask God or whatever higher power you believe in for help, it can be a game-changer. This is not easy and takes time. You may get rid of it, but it can return. To overcome character flaws, you have to constantly work to “drop the rock” from your life.
AA 7th Step
As you work to remove character defects, AA members move to step 7: [4]
“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
In this step, he can refer to God, but can also refer to any other higher power. Besides asking for help, step 7 also acknowledges the patience required to remain in the AA program while working on removing character defects. Again, this does not happen overnight. Hard work and patience are the keys to success.
What is the Significance of AA Step 10 to Drop the Rock?
Step 10 of the AA Big Book also plays a role in dropping the rock. It states: [5]
“Continue to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admit it”.
It works with Steps 6 and 7 of the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous because working to get rid of character defects can take time. No matter how long you’ve recovered, you should always look inward to see how you can improve. As people work on Step 10, they realize how “dropping the rock” can have a positive effect on themselves and everyone they come in contact with.
How Can People “Drop the Rock”?
People can work to rid themselves of character flaws by following several important steps:
Know Your Character Defects
You can’t “drop the rock” if you don’t know what that entails. Take inventory of your actions and patterns to recognize character defects. Recognize and acknowledge your character defects so you understand what you can do to improve your status as a human being.
Surrender and Take Action
Recognizing the need for help from your higher power can facilitate change in character defects. End procrastination and start taking action to “drop the rock”.
Look for Support
People can drop the rock in their lives by utilizing support groups and professional help, such as therapy. Participating in 12-step meetings can also help you connect with others who are going through similar situations. By supporting one another and sharing personal stories, people can help each other in the recovery process.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness and journaling can also help to stay present and process feelings you’re experiencing.
Realizing that “dropping the rock” takes time can help people overcome old habits and live a sober life.
Learn More About Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery is a process that takes time. By working to “drop the rock”, people can realize that sobriety is in reach. Seeking treatment and learning more about addiction recovery is key to living a healthy life.
