Key Points
- The 12 AA promises provide support and motivation for people during the recovery process.
- The 12 AA promises are rewards that people can aspire to if they follow through with the Alcoholics Anonymous Program.
- People look to Chapter 6 of the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” for the 12 AA promises.
- The AA promises are based on the collective experience of AA members.
- The promises support recovery by providing emotional stability and improving mental health.
- The AA promises can lead to spiritual growth when people realize that there is a higher power there to help them.
- Self-care and being grateful are two ways you can experience the promises in daily life.
The AA promises are discussed in the “Big Book”, which talks about the Alcoholics Anonymous program for alcohol addiction treatment and recovery. The AA promises are a set of rewards that people can aspire to if they follow through with the Alcoholics Anonymous Program [1].
When you look at the “Big Book”, you won’t see a formal list of all the Alcoholics Anonymous promises. But people look to Chapter 6 for the recovery promises. They interpret the passage as referring to AA promises.
The Alcoholics Anonymous program promises to encourage people as they work through the 12 steps of the AA program. It can bring them new happiness while they are working towards their addiction recovery. It can help them achieve personal growth and make positive changes in their lives.
What are the 12 AA Promises?
The promises of AA are a source of motivation and hope for people as they go through the recovery process for alcohol addiction. The promises can give them a sense of purpose and something to look forward to once they reach sobriety. For many, just knowing that there is something better on the horizon can give them the hope they need to stay on track and overcome their substance use disorder.
Who Wrote the 12 AA Promises?
The AA promises are so respected because they are rooted in the collective experiences of AA members. These people have completed their program and achieved sobriety. They are not preaching. They are talking to others who are in the same place they once were. People participate in AA treatment like this because of the authenticity it provides.
The AA promises were first known as the “Nine Promises”. It originated in the second edition of the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” in 1955.[2] The nine promises eventually evolved into 12 statements that provided a roadmap for individuals undergoing treatment.
The 12 Promises of AA
There are 12 statements that encompass the AA promises. Some sources may word them differently, but the main points remain the same. They include: [3]
- We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
When people talk about this promise, they are referring to the happiness that sobriety can bring.
- We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
Being able to forgive others and accept them and situations is the foundation of these promises. This is key to a successful treatment program.
- We will comprehend the word serenity.
People can experience peace and a fulfilling life through the recovery process for a substance use disorder.
- We will know the peace.
Embracing sobriety brings a sense of calm that many may have never felt before.
- No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experiences can benefit others.
Since the AA promises don’t preach, the personal experiences they discuss are a powerful tool that can be used to help others dealing with the same problems.
- That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
As people go through the recovery process, they will see their perspective shift from negative to positive, allowing them to make amends and lead a happier life.
- We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
By studying this promise, people learn how they can help the community and how this service is important in their lives.
- Self-seeking will slip away.
During AA treatment, people tend to become less self-centered and more focused on others.
- Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Seeking treatment for alcohol recovery can help you do a total 180 when it comes to your perspective on life.
- Fear of people and of economic security will leave us.
Addiction can make people feel socially anxious and lead to money issues. During the recovery process, people can experience a shift in mindset that allows this to decrease.
- We will intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle us.
This promise refers to the deeper understanding that people achieve, allowing them to better deal with their issues.
- We will suddenly realize that a higher power is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Many people realize that they need the help of a higher power to get through their recovery. People realize that their efforts alone are not enough.
How do the Promises Support Recovery?
The promises support recovery because they not only provide hope of what can happen, but they also help to support emotional stability and mental health.
Emotional Support
When people start to follow the AA promises, it can have a positive impact on their overall well-being because they have a greater purpose. They have something to strive for, which can give them the emotional support they need during recovery.
If people are in a better place emotionally, it can also help to strengthen their personal relationships. During addiction, many of these relationships may have been strained. As people get more in touch with their emotions, they can better mend fences and have stronger relationships.
Mental Health Benefits
The AA promises also help people be more optimistic about their lives and their futures. Studies show that when people are positive, it can help to reduce anxiety and stress.[4] This can improve mental health.
The promises also provide encouragement for people to focus on each day in their recovery journey. They learn how to improve their self-image, which can bolster self-esteem. If someone has higher self-esteem, the probability of them harming their bodies with substances can be decreased.
Can Provide Spiritual Growth
Studying the 12 AA promises and seeing how they apply in daily life can spark spiritual growth. Although Alcoholics Anonymous is not affiliated with any religion, there are many references to a higher power that can aid in recovery. For some people, this is God; for others, it can mean something else.
The AA promises encourage people to find their higher power, whatever that may be. By finding the connection with a higher power, people may be able to spark spiritual growth that can aid in their recovery.
Real-Life Experiences with AA Promises
Learning about the AA promises is only part of the puzzle. It’s even more important to see how they can be applied in everyday life. Here are some ways you can see the AA promises realized in everyday life:
- Take care of yourself so you are ready to face your addiction and the tasks that need to be done during the recovery process.
- Be grateful for everything in life, even if it seems minimal. Being aware of all the good things around you can provide a positive outcome.
- Look for ways to expand your spiritual growth by realizing that there is a higher power to support your journey.
- Turn to mindfulness and meditation during daily life to remain in the moment and reduce worry.
As you see how these AA promises can relate to everyday life, the hope they provide can be within reach.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Seeking treatment for alcohol addiction is the first step to sobriety. Getting help as soon as possible can bring the inner peace and strength that is needed for a healthy, substance-free life.