The 12 Promises of AA, found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, offer hope and transformation for those in recovery. These promises, outlined on pages 83-84, are realized as individuals work through the first nine steps. They provide assurance of newfound freedom, peace, and a shifted perspective on life, guiding individuals toward spiritual growth and sobriety.
Origin and Context of the 12 Promises
The 12 Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are rooted in the Big Book, the foundational text of the AA program. Specifically, they are found in Chapter 6, titled “Into Action,” on pages 83-84. These promises were first introduced by the co-founder of AA, Bill Wilson, and are based on the collective experiences of early AA members who achieved sobriety by working the 12 Steps. The promises serve as a source of hope and inspiration, outlining the transformative changes that can occur in one’s life as a result of completing the first nine steps.
The promises emphasize spiritual growth, personal transformation, and emotional healing. They are not guarantees but rather assurances that, through diligent effort and adherence to the program, individuals can experience profound positive changes. The context of these promises is deeply tied to the spiritual principles of AA, such as surrender, honesty, and faith, which are central to the recovery process. By fulfilling these principles, members are said to achieve a new perspective on life, freedom from fear, and a deeper understanding of serenity and peace.
The 12 Promises have become a cornerstone of AA’s message, offering encouragement to those navigating the challenges of recovery. They are often shared in meetings and used as a reminder of the program’s potential to bring about lasting change. The promises are reprinted with permission from AA World Services, Inc., ensuring their authenticity and relevance within the AA community;
The 12 Promises of AA Explained
The 12 Promises of AA are assurances of positive transformation for those who work the program diligently. Found in the Big Book, they outline the spiritual and personal growth that can occur, offering hope and guidance for a fulfilling recovery journey.
We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness
This first promise highlights the transformative power of the AA program. By diligently working the steps, individuals begin to experience a profound sense of liberation from the burdens of addiction. This newfound freedom allows them to embrace life without the constant weight of guilt, shame, or obsession. The happiness mentioned here is not fleeting but deeply rooted in spiritual growth and personal transformation. Many in recovery report feeling a sense of relief and joy they had previously thought unattainable. This promise serves as a beacon of hope, assuring members that their efforts will yield meaningful and lasting change.
- Liberation from addiction: The obsession to drink or act out in destructive ways begins to lift, allowing for clarity and peace of mind.
- Newfound happiness: This is not temporary euphoria but a deep, inner contentment that comes from living a principled and purposeful life.
- Personal growth: As individuals progress, they develop the tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling existence.
This promise is a cornerstone of the AA experience, reminding members that true freedom and happiness are attainable through commitment to the program and its principles.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it
This promise speaks to the emotional freedom that comes with working the AA program. Many in recovery struggle with guilt, remorse, and a desire to erase past mistakes. However, through the steps, particularly Steps 8 and 9, members are able to confront and make amends for their past actions. This process fosters acceptance and peace, allowing individuals to release the burdens of regret. The past is no longer seen as something to hide or escape but as a part of their journey that has led them to recovery.
- Acceptance of the past: Members learn to view their history with compassion, understanding that it shaped who they are today.
- Release of guilt: By making amends and taking responsibility, individuals are able to let go of unresolved emotions.
- Focus on the present: This promise encourages a forward-looking mindset, emphasizing personal growth and positive change.
This promise is a powerful reminder that recovery is not about erasing the past but about learning from it and moving forward with integrity and grace.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace
This promise highlights the profound emotional and spiritual transformation experienced in recovery. Serenity, often described as a state of calm and tranquility, becomes a consistent part of life for those who work the AA program. Peace, both internal and external, replaces the turmoil and unrest that once dominated their lives; This promise is deeply rooted in the principles of acceptance and surrender, key components of the 12 Steps.
- Understanding serenity: It is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep inner calm that persists even in challenging situations.
- Experiencing peace: This peace is not fleeting but a lasting sense of contentment that arises from spiritual growth and self-awareness.
- Letting go of self-will: By surrendering to a higher power and embracing the program’s teachings, individuals find relief from the constant struggle of self-centeredness.
This promise assures that, through dedication and spiritual practice, the chaos of addiction is replaced with a quiet confidence and a serene outlook on life. It is a cornerstone of the AA experience, offering hope for a life free from internal conflict and filled with peace.
Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us
Fear of People and Economic Insecurity Will Leave Us
The fourth promise of AA addresses the deep-seated fears that often accompany addiction: fear of people and economic insecurity. These fears can be debilitating, causing isolation and anxiety. However, through the 12 Step program, individuals begin to experience liberation from these burdens.
- Fear of People: Addiction often leads to social isolation and strained relationships, fostering fears of judgment and rejection. By working Steps 8 and 9, which involve making amends, individuals rebuild trust and connections, diminishing their fear of others.
- Economic Insecurity: Financial instability is common in addiction, leading to stress and anxiety. The 12 Steps promote personal responsibility and accountability, helping individuals develop better financial habits and a sense of security.
The AA community provides a supportive environment where individuals share experiences, reducing feelings of loneliness and fear. Spirituality, a key component of the program, introduces the concept of a higher power, offering stability and faith that circumstances will improve.
This promise is interconnected with other aspects of recovery, such as finding serenity and peace, as overcoming fear contributes to overall well-being. It emphasizes that these changes are outcomes of continuous effort and active participation in the AA program.
Personal stories from AA members illustrate how this promise is fulfilled through gradually facing fears, building self-esteem, and developing a support network. The promise is conditional upon maintaining sobriety and consistently working the steps.
We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us
We Will Intuitively Know How to Handle Situations Which Used to Baffle Us
This promise highlights the profound shift in problem-solving abilities and intuition that comes through working the 12 Steps. Situations that once seemed insurmountable or confusing become manageable as individuals grow in recovery. The Big Book emphasizes that this transformation occurs gradually, often as a result of spiritual growth and self-reflection.
As individuals progress through the Steps, they develop a clearer understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This clarity fosters intuition, allowing them to approach challenges with newfound confidence and wisdom. The fear of the unknown diminishes, replaced by a sense of trust in their abilities and the support of their Higher Power.
This promise also underscores the importance of surrender and humility. By letting go of self-reliance and embracing the principles of AA, individuals discover that their thoughts and actions become more aligned with their values and goals. This intuitive understanding is a testament to the transformative power of the 12 Step program.
Ultimately, this promise offers hope and assurance that the struggles of the past will give way to a more peaceful and purposeful life. It reminds us that recovery is not just about sobriety but also about personal growth and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and clarity.
Self-seeking will slip away
The sixth promise of AA, “Self-seeking will slip away,” reflects a significant transformation in an individual’s mindset and behavior. As one progresses through the 12 Steps, particularly Step 12, which focuses on service to others, the obsession with self-centered desires begins to diminish. This shift occurs as individuals develop a deeper connection to their Higher Power and a greater sense of purpose beyond their own needs.
The Big Book emphasizes that self-seeking often fuels addiction and interpersonal conflicts. By letting go of selfish tendencies, individuals in recovery experience improved relationships and a stronger sense of unity with others. This promise is not about suppressing one’s needs entirely but about finding balance and prioritizing the well-being of others alongside one’s own.
The slipping away of self-seeking is a gradual process that comes through consistent effort and spiritual growth. It is a cornerstone of the AA program, enabling individuals to live more authentically and meaningfully. This promise underscores the transformative power of recovery, where personal growth and humility replace self-centeredness, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Our whole attitude and outlook on life will change
The seventh promise of AA, “Our whole attitude and outlook on life will change,” highlights one of the most profound and lasting effects of working the 12 Steps. As individuals progress in their recovery, they experience a fundamental shift in how they view themselves, others, and the world around them. This transformation is rooted in the spiritual principles of honesty, humility, and self-awareness that are central to the AA program.
This change in outlook is not merely superficial but deeply ingrained, often emerging as a result of Step 3 (“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God”) and Step 11 (“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God”). Through these steps, individuals develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning, leading to a more positive and hopeful perspective on life.
As self-centeredness diminishes, gratitude, compassion, and mindfulness take its place. This promise reassures those in recovery that their efforts will yield a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. The change in attitude is not just about personal growth but also about how one interacts with others, fostering healthier relationships and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows
The eighth promise of AA, “We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows,” reflects a profound shift in focus from self-centeredness to a greater concern for others. As individuals work through the 12 Steps, particularly Step 12 (“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others”), they begin to let go of the selfish desires and obsessions that once dominated their lives.
This promise emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and connection in recovery. By surrendering self-will and ego, individuals develop a genuine interest in the well-being of others. This transformation fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships and a sense of community, which are essential for long-term sobriety and spiritual growth.
The shift from selfishness to fellowship is a cornerstone of AA’s philosophy, encouraging members to serve others and practice principles like love, tolerance, and understanding. This promise reassures those in recovery that their efforts will lead to a life of purpose and unity with others.
We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves
The ninth promise of AA, “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves,” highlights a profound spiritual awakening that occurs as a result of working the 12 Steps. This promise emphasizes the role of a Higher Power in the recovery process, offering hope and reassurance to those who feel powerless over their addiction.
This realization often comes as a moment of clarity, where individuals understand that their efforts alone are insufficient to achieve lasting sobriety. Instead, they come to trust in a divine plan and recognize that their recovery is guided by forces beyond their control. This shift in perspective fosters humility, gratitude, and a deeper connection to their spiritual beliefs.
The fulfillment of this promise is not instantaneous for everyone; it develops over time as individuals surrender their self-will and open themselves to spiritual growth. The phrase “suddenly realize” suggests that this understanding may arrive unexpectedly, often during moments of reflection or service to others. This promise serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and trust in a Higher Power.
The 12 Promises of AA serve as a powerful foundation for recovery, offering hope, transformation, and spiritual renewal. These promises, outlined in the Big Book, are not mere assurances but tangible outcomes of diligent effort and spiritual commitment. They remind individuals that recovery is not just about sobriety but about personal growth, emotional healing, and a deeper connection to a Higher Power.
By working the 12 Steps, individuals experience a profound shift in perspective, moving from self-centeredness to a focus on others. The promises emphasize the importance of faith, humility, and trust in the process. They provide comfort to those struggling, assuring them that their efforts will yield lasting change and peace of mind.
The 12 Promises are a testament to the transformative power of AA, guiding individuals toward a life of purpose, serenity, and fulfillment. They remind us that recovery is a journey, not a destination, and that the rewards of sobriety far exceed expectations. For many, these promises are a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging perseverance and commitment to the recovery process.